Automen seek time to calibrate meters

With the deadline for calibration of meters set to close on March 20, autorickshaw drivers have sought two months’ extension. 

Autorickshaws have to get meters calibrated with new minimum fares of Rs 25 per 1.9 km. 

Auto unions have submitted a memorandum to RTA (Regional Transport Authority) seeking time till May-end.  According to them, there are only four to five units which calibrate meters.

Further, unlike in the past where manual meters could be taken to the unit for making changes, the driver is now required to take the vehicle to the unit and take a test ride to see how the meter functions.

This is a time-consuming process and hence difficult to meet the deadline.After calibration, the driver has to take the vehicle to Legal Metrology department for test and certification. An RTA official said they have received the memorandum.

Till a decision is taken, autorickshaw drivers have to go through the procedure, he added. Adarsh Auto Drivers Union president hoped the RTA would accept their request considering the practical problems they face.

 RTO officials said once the deadline is over, there will be intensified enforcement and regular checks by joint teams of RTOs and legal metrology department to keep tabs on meter tampering complaints.