Respected sir,

- Krishnaprasad GK |Nagarbhavi

Going On A Ride

I commute daily by autorickshaw from Nagarbhavi to Residency Road for work. I used to pay Rs 85. With the fare hike again, I may have to pay Rs 100. Is the extent of hike justified? It is distressing as it amounts to going by car or taxi. I will be paying Rs 50 extra every day, which means nearly Rs 1,500 for the month. How can the government go on increasing auto fares every one-and-a-half years? I will be forced to take a bus. The nightmare is there are auto fare hikes, but no change in attitude among the fraternity. If I can afford it, I'd rather take a taxi.The hike in auto fares is making citizens see red. The last fare was Rs 17 as minimum for 2km and Rs 9 per km; the new fare is Rs 20 as minimum for 1.8 km, and Rs 11 per km thereon - a steep hike by Rs 3 and Rs 2. While the auto ride now pinches, the experience of putting up with refusals is disturbing.Niharika K, a commuter, explains: "I travel from Banaswadi to MG Road and have to face the humiliation of refusals every day. You don't mind paying extra if drivers are nice to you. When I am treated badly, why should I spend my hard-earned money on them? I am tempted to give up and just take a taxi."Sandhya R, an HR professional , asks: "Has there ever been a change in the attitude of autorickshaw drivers? The hike comes often, but the attitude remains the same. The least we can get as compensation is polite and positive service.''Other citizens complain of the financial burden . "For me, it's an extra Rs 1,500 a month. Auto unions are threatening to hike fares again if LPG touches Rs 70. My salary doesn't go up every month, does it?" asks Nitin Raghu , a teacher.Ramya Raghavan, advertising professional, says: "The hike means an extra Rs 60 per day, and translates into Rs 2,000 a month. I may as well pay a little more and hire a taxi. There should be moderation in the hike, and good service."There are some auto drivers who agree that service has to improve. M Manjunath, president of Adarsha Auto Union , agrees with commuters' feelings. "I am aware that drivers refuse commuters. It's wrong. We are holding classes for our auto drivers telling them to stop refusing commuters, talk politely, and be sensitive and helpful."Manjunath agrees that some meters are tampered. "It is illegal and unethical. Our union has asked police to track such drivers and mechanics who tamper with meters and jail them. We want to deliver honest public service."But he disagrees with passengers on the fare hike issue. "I know the hike hurts. But people should also consider our plight: we work morning to night in the hot sun, drive around the city, pay high LPG and oil rates, insurance and maintenance cost. Besides, cost of living has gone up - ration , house rents, school fees. How can we make a comfortable living with just Rs 150 or Rs 200 per day? Even a labourer gets Rs 350 per day. We have to make Rs 600 or Rs 800 per day, pay the owner, pay for fuel and take home what remains. Sometimes, we make only Rs 500. The owner doesn't care whether we drivers make money or not, we have to pay him."The hike: Rs 17 to Rs 20 as minimum, from 2 km to 1.8 km, and Rs 9 per km to Rs 11 per kmSecond hike within 18 monthsPassengers humiliated by having to hail at least 10 to 12 times in CBD.Drivers fleece commuters for short-haul rides: demand Rs 30-40 for a 2km radius and Rs 50-70 for 3-4 km radius in CBDTraffic, lack of return passengers cited as reason for refusalAdarsha Auto Union agrees that honest and sensitive service is a mustEasy Autos are available, but very few people opt for call autos