Mangaluru: A vast variation in fares collected by the auto drivers in the city showcases the haplessness of the district administration, and the non-co-operation of some auto unions. The Regional Transport Authority Chairman A B Ibrahim had recently passed orders to fix minimum fare (first 1.5 Km) at Rs. 23, and stipulated Rs. 13 per Km, for the subsequent Kilometers which is followed more in the breach, than as a rule.
The drivers, as per the orders passed by quasi-judicial body are compelled to follow the said rates. However the drivers citing one or another reason, are collecting fares at their own whim and fancy. Some drivers in the city are collecting Rs 25, claiming their meters are not yet calibrated to the new fares, while others follow the rule, only demanding Rs 23. Surprisingly, a few drivers in the city are collecting a minimum fare of Rs. 20 which was originally notified. A major section of the drivers are demanding Rs 14 for the subsequent Kilometers, barring those charging Rs. 23 as the minimum.
A reality check by Newskarnataka.com inidicates that many fare meters have not been modified. On the other hand some Auto Rickshaws integrated meters are displaying Rs. 20 as the minimum, and a few have strictly followed the recent norms passed by the RTA. “I have not modified the fare meter of my auto so I am collecting Rs. 25 from customers,” said one auto driver concealing his name. He said he would modify once the union came clear on the rates.
Another auto driver who had set his meter to Rs. 20 expressed he would continue the same rates till the auto unions come clear on rates. He said, that he doesn’t incur loss at these rates adding “some drivers are collecting Rs. 20.” Those collecting Rs. 25 also said that, crude oil prices surged last week and this has led many drivers to rethink on the new charges. Basically, there are no uniform fares on ground.
Ashok Kumar Shetty, President of Janata Auto Rickshaw Chalaka Malakara, Kelasagarara Sarige Samsthe contended that many drivers were unhappy with the new charges after price of petrol increased by RS 3.18. This has forced them stick to old price. He said his union was making serious efforts to continue the old fares (Rs. 25) to end the erratic collection of fares. When quizzed on why some drivers are charging Rs. 20, he said, it is up to the drivers.
The deputy commissioner, A B Ibrahim kept his answer very straight. He stated that the unions were not co-operating with the district administration. “One of the unions has given a memorandum to reset the fares to Rs. 25.” The differences of opinion within the union have been reflecting on the ground, he argued. He hoped non-uniform collection of fare would end soon.
