Hyderabadi autowallahs give a tough time to passengers. They have different ways to fleece and take passengers for a ride. At first, they ask for the specific location in the area the passenger wants to go to, and then they look forward and quote their price. They never agree to use the meter, if at all, one agrees to ply on meter- that is a rare sight, they demand few extra bucks along with the meter fare. Some tamper with their meters in such a way that the reading will show thrice the actual fare and such drivers will be more than happy to ply on meter.
In some typical instances, they charge double the actual fare with an excuse that they cannot find passengers on their way back wapas aate waqt sawari nai milti madam (I cannot find passengers on my way back madam). If one will try to negotiate, the driver will simply start the vehicle giving them a strange look (as if telling, if you want get in, otherwise I can find many and you cannot get any) and the poor passenger gives in, thinking that it will only keep them waiting for long. Some auto drivers misbehave with their female passengers. Especially when they find a girl in western attire, they give meaningful looks.
Some foreigners have also been victims in the hands of these auto drivers. There were instances where some drivers refuse to give change and flee the scene, this is one of their many tactics to make few extra bucks.They run away with an amount as high as Rs.50 saying that they have no change with them without paying heed to the passengers request to get it from a nearby shop.
Some auto drivers blame it on increasing petrol prices and some say that they have to give their auto rent as well as take something home to feed their families. Traffic police officers usually ignore such incidents. Earlier traffic police was on a drive against such drivers but now they are least bothered. It is high time that the authorities intervene.
Traffic police should come up with a helpline number where commuters can lodge complaints against errant drivers. Officers should ensure strict action against drivers who flout rules. They should also revise meter fares keeping in mind the increasing petrol and gas prices, as auto drivers are answerable to their families too. People should refuse to board an auto where the driver does not comply with the rules. This is the only way out to deal with such errant auto drivers.
No comments:
Post a Comment