Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

Fillip to prepaid autorickshaw system at Central Station

CHENNAI: The prepaid autorickshaw system at the Central Railway Station will be strengthened with modern bays and additional counter. Drivers will be trained to understand the basics of other languages, including Hindi and English.

Inspector-General of Police (Railways) G. Uma Ganapathi Shastry said the existing prepaid autorickshaw system had evoked good response from passengers and visitors. On an average, 1,250 bookings were recorded at the counter where long queues were often seen during rush hour.

“In order to ease congestion and minimise the waiting time of passengers, we have proposed to establish an additional counter at the station. The existing bays would be improved in association with the Railway authorities,” he told The Hindu on Wednesday.

The Joint Commissioner of Transport had recently conducted a meeting on how the prepaid autorickshaw system could be improved. Apart from Railway and police officials, representatives of the autorickshaw drivers’ association also took part and aired their views.

Mr. Shastry said that though the patronage was good, there was scope to improve as an estimated five lakh people visited the Central Station every day. “While the fares to select destinations are reasonable, the vital aspect is safety. Every autorickshaw driver is identified and his credentials verified.”

Complaints such as the drivers demanding more money or resorting to rash and negligent driving would be seriously dealt with. “In case of such grievances, the passengers can lodge complaints by dialling 9962500500,” he said.

Since a sizeable section of passengers are tourists or businessmen coming from other States, steps were taken to impart training to autorickshaw drivers to improve their communication skills and refine their approach.

“The proposal for establishing prepaid auto system at the Egmore Station is in the final stages of implementation. We have plans to introduce the service at the Poonamallee High Road-side entrance,” he said.

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