Announce autorickshaw fare hike in a week, say unions, warn of protest

BENGALURU: Autorickshaw drivers’ unions, which met with the Regional Transport Authority on Wednesday, have demanded that the fare hike be announced within a week and warned of protest if there is any delay. The unions have sought an increase in the minimum fare from Rs 30 to Rs 40 for the first 2 km and for every subsequent kilometre, from Rs 15 to Rs 20.

C N Srinivas of Autorickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU), said it was agreed earlier that fares will be increased if petrol prices touch Rs 70 per litre or after two years, whichever comes first. “People are ready to pay if we go by the fare meter. Almost all unions have demanded fare revision and if it is not done, we will plan a protest”.

Tanveer Pasha, president of the Swabhimani Auto Chalakara Okkoota, said, “The prices of essential commodies are increasing. Moreover, bus and Metro fares, milk prices have also increased, hence auto fares should also increase. Also, drivers should engage the fare meter and the authorities should strictly enforce it. Aggregators should not be allowed to charge differently. Action should be taken against unmetered autorickshaws”.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Sahil Bagla said a sub-committee has been formed and the opinions of the different unions elicited. “A week’s time has been given for filing of objections and after that, a recommendation will be sent to the district deputy commissioner for the fare hike”, he said.

Meanwhile, the ARDU has written to the Regional Transport Offices to act against autorickshaw drivers who do not engage the fare meter and charge 3-4 times more. “There are two lakh autorickshaws in Bengaluru and some drivers misbehave with passengers, which gives us a bad name. Hence, action should be taken against them”, the letter said.

The autorickshaw unions have also condemned drivers who do not wear uniforms, flouting rules, and instead opt for casual wear and demanded action against them. They also demanded that the traffic police act against auto drivers consuming gutka. “Only about 10 per cent of drivers indulge in such behaviour, but it brings a bad name to all. The traffic police should impose fines on drivers not wearing uniforms”, said Pattabhiram, a union leader.