Auto metres mandatory in Udupi from November 1

Addressing the meeting of Auto Rickshaw Owners and Drivers Association and public at Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Friday, Deputy Commissioner Hemalatha said the order on installing metres should be followed by the auto drivers within the areas that stretches towards Kaup, Hiriyadka, Malpe and Brahmavar. Depending on the success of these measures, similar measures will be adopted in the areas of Karkala and Kundapur taluks. Subsequently, measures will be taken to introduce pre-paid autos in the auto rickshaw stands near bus stops and railway stations, she added.

She said auto rickshaw drivers should cooperate with the passengers. Udupi is a tourist destination. The drivers should be patient. A decision to introduce luggage charges and additional price during nights will be taken in the coming days, she added. When auto drivers association appealed the DC to give time for the  installation of metre, she said that the metre system will come into froce from November 1. If the auto drivers fail to install metres even after the deadline, then huge fine will be collected or licence will be cancelled, she warned.

Revised auto fare
The DC said that the district administration has agreed to hike the autorickshaw fare by Rs two per kilometre. The minimum price will be Rs 17. A sum of Rs 12 would be charged for every kilometer thereafter.
DH News Service