Kerala - Kochi   

Pre-paid auto counter launched

Staff Reporter

Bid to streamline auto service

KOCHI: In an effort to streamline auto service in the city limits, a pre-paid autorickshaw counter started functioning at the South railway station on Wednesday.

The objective of the project was to ensure hassle-free transport system, which the passengers, especially women, could trust and travel at any time, Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer M.N. Prabhakaran said. A similar counter would be opened at the North railway station soon, he said. In the initial stage, 200 autorickshaws were granted permits under the pre-paid project. This could be increased in due course in accordance with the requirements. The autos operating under the pre-paid system would bear a special identification number. The drivers of these autos were given a day's training on behavioural patterns, he said.

Passengers would have to take a coupon from the counter, which would bear all the details like fare, destination, date and time of journey, auto number, driver's name, etc. This would enable the passenger to raise specific complaints, if any, about misbehaviour of the driver or such problems experienced during the ride. Besides all the details regarding the driver and the owner would stored in a computer with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) authorities ensuring prompt action.

One rupee would be collected over and above the fare for the maintenance of the counter and to pay for the person manning the counter.

Autos operating under the system were required to pay Rs.750 half-yearly, as "cart fee" to the Railway for using its premises.

Though discussions were held with the railway authorities for the possible removal or reduction of the fee, it did not materialise as it involved a national policy followed by the railway, he said.

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