JOIN USThe traffic police have mooted the idea to set up more prepaid auto booths but there is a cloud of doubt if these booths will serve any purpose with existing booths not being monitored, passengers complaining of overcharging and not getting dropped at designated places.
Many prepaid auto stands are either non-operational or not being monitored by authorities, allowing autorickshaw drivers to have a free run. Consequently, complaints pertaining to overcharging, rude behaviour and not dropping passengers at said destinations continue to pour. However, traffic police officials claim that with the usage of the GPS-enabled fare calculation system, complaints against auto drivers have come down substantially. Officials add that more such fixed fare auto stands would come up in the City at various busy locations such as Opera Junction, Commercial Street etc.
Public response
At present, there has been good response for mGaadi, an auto service app started by a City-based social enterprise that plies prepaid autorickshaws at the revived auto stands near Mantri Mall, Avenue Road.
The traffic police is mulling over emulating the Mysuru-model of operating prepaid autorickshaws which is a hit with the people there. Currently, there are eight prepaid auto rickshaw stands in the royal city which charge Rs 1 as service charge over the meter fare.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, M A Saleem, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said, “The new GPS-enabled fare calculation system has received good response in places such as Avenue Road and near Mantri Mall. We have also deployed teams to keep tabs on erring auto drivers. The people can always come to us with their grievances if any and the same will be redressed speedily.” He added that the Mysuru-model of autorickshaw stands is under consideration, however, if the present tie-up with the mGaadi autos works well then they will continue with this system.
Around 8,000 cases have been booked against autorickshaw drivers for turning down customers from January to May this year.