The Hindu : Front Page : Autorickshaw drivers make most of rain

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Oct 27, 2006
ePaper

Front Page

Front Page

Autorickshaw drivers make most of rain

Karthik Subramanian

PHOTO: R. RAGU

MAKING HAY: Commuters were forced to pay exorbitant fare on Thursday. A scene at Sathyamurthy Nagar in Vyasarpadi.

CHENNAI: Autorickshaw drivers in the city are enjoying a `Deepavali bonanza' with the onset of the northeast monsoon, charging exorbitant fare from hapless commuters.

The overnight rain and persistent drizzle on Thursday morning had several office-goers opting for the three-wheelers over Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses. The drivers cashed in on the opportunity.

Even share autos were no exception, at times charging more than double fare. While normal share auto fare from Tidel Park in Taramani to Velachery bus terminus is Rs.10, the drivers demanded Rs.25 on Wednesday night.

The fleecing continued on Thursday morning with drivers demanding up to Rs.100 for a 5-km trip. The trend is likely to continue as long as the rain continues.

For nearly a decade, the Government has not revised autorickshaw fares, giving a free hand to operators in the city and suburbs. Officially there are around 50,000 valid autorickshaw permits. But, it is estimated that more than a lakh autorickshaws ply in the greater Chennai region.

The `official' fare of Rs.3.50 per km and minimum fare of Rs.7 were fixed in 1996. Since then, successive governments have failed to even regulate the sector. Chennai has, over the years, gained notoriety for its autorickshaws. Even international guidebooks warn tourists against "fleecing" autorickshaws.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page