JOIN USSome of the pre-fixed auto stands in the City like those in Commercial Street, Majestic and Cantonment areas are dysfunctional, thanks to the shortage of traffic personnel in manning these counters. The pre-fixed auto stand on MG Road is one of the few operational ones in the City.
A few of those who regularly use autorickshaws complain that pre-fixed counters fleece passengers. Some, however, find pre-fixed autos useful, especially at night. Richita, a student of class ten at Sophia High School, finds it easier to get an auto from a pre-fixed counter. “Without these counters, it’s hard to get an auto because they either don’t come where you want them to or you are forced to pay extra money over and above the meter,” she reasons.
Although people find these counters useful, they say there needs to be more coordination. Paavana, a youngster says, “You are sure to get an auto but the endless wait and lack of coordination between the traffic personnel and those manning the auto counters is a bit of a concern. But these counters are definitely useful to the public.”
Women find these counters most helpful after dusk. Nikita, a student of engineering, points out, “It’s is safer to take an auto from these counters rather than take one randomly. There’s an element of responsibility and accountability attached to these counters because the number of the vehicle is noted and this gives the passengers, especially women, the confidence to travel by auto,” she observes.
In an effort to extend the services of these counters, the Bengaluru Traffic Police now plans to revive these counters and ensure that they function out of at least 20 locations across the City. The counters will not be handled but only assisted by traffic police. They will be managed and run by private agencies. The idea, say the traffic police, is to encourage people to use public transport. This would reduce the number of vehicles on the road. “We will also ensure that the display cards in the autos will match the driver at the wheel. This is something that we have been asked quite often. This should encourage people to take autos from these counters,” says Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic) MA Saleem.
Another point that is often raised about the pre-fixed counters are the fares, which are higher than normal fares, and the availability of autos during peak hours. “The fares from these stands have been fixed only after the distance from each pre-fixed counter to different parts of the City has been measured using a Google map. It is only after a thorough exercise that the fares have been fixed. We will compulsorily depute a traffic personnel at all these counters to ensure that there will be a continuous flow of autos at these counters,” he adds.