Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on Friday asked the auto rickshaw drivers to collect the revised fares, which is Rs 20 minimum and Rs. 13 for every additional km or approach the court.
Chairing the special meeting of auto rickshaw drivers and the public, A.B Ibrahim, chairman of RTA said that there will not be any changes in the notification issued on January 12 on the revision of fares. As of now, there are 6,000 auto rickshaws in the district.
However, the auto rickshaw operators claimed that only the fuel prices have come down. But, the cost of living and maintenance expenses remain high. “Also, the buses stop at every place to pick up passengers, which in turn affects our business”, one of them said. The auto rickshaw drivers refused to budge on the issue of fares, and did not agree to collect revised fares.
Following this, there was heated exchange of words between the auto rickshaw drivers and the public. The DC, then directed the auto rickshaw drivers to collect the revised fares and gave them three months to re-calibrate their meters. “Have a work calculation for three months, if continuing with the revised fares is burdensome, we will increase the fares”, he told the auto drivers.
Later, Mr. Ibrahim told reporters that it was the third meeting called to discuss on the revision of auto fares. “We are not interested to burden the working class or the public. Since the fuel prices have come down, we have reduced the fare. If the auto rickshaw drivers are not ready to collect the revised fares, let them approach court. We will settle it in the court”, he added.
As an alternative measure the DC also advised that if the city auto operators do not agree to regulate for the revised fare rural auto drivers will be called to take their place. Moreover, he also added that protection will be given to the auto drivers who abide by the revised fare as they may face a threat from the union.
Altogether the city suffered for the third-consecutive day as the auto rickshaws did not ply.
Helpline
Mr. Ibrahim also suggested that Regional Traffic Officer (RTO) launch a helpline (toll free number) to register complaints related to auto rickshaws and bus service. He said that it is difficult for the aggrieved passengers to give a written complaint in cases such as auto rickshaw drivers refusing to travel, over speeding or any other complaints.
Protest withdrawn
Later, the members of auto rickshaw drivers union said that they spoke to the District in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai over phone about the issue. Mr. Rai has promised to solve the problem after holding a joint meeting on Monday. We will withdraw our protest and continue to charge the old auto fares, one of them said.
