Spelling trouble for regular commuters, share auto-rickshaws in the city and suburbs have increased fares for the second time in a little over two months. The auto drivers, however, maintained that their hands were forced by the lack of adequate income due to high fuel prices.
Chennai:
Share autos are the preferred mode of transport for the public in Anna Nagar, Mogappair West, Kodambakkam, T Nagar, Ambattur, Nolambur and JJ Nagar. According to the State Transport Authority, the city has about 4,000 Tata Magic autos and 3,500 yellow-painted ones.
“From paying Rs 10 just two months ago, I am now paying twice that amount. The regular commuters have been arguing with drivers seeking reduction in fare, but they are not yielding to the demand,” said Shivashanakri from Mogappair West, who added that the vehicles are packed with a large number of people especially during peak hours.
However, according to A Karthikeyan, a share auto driver, they have been forced to revise the fare after finding it difficult to maintain a decent living. “There are many who have increased their stoppings to improve their revenue. We are trying every possible way to increase revenue after we losing a good number of patrons to the Metro Rail and MTC.”
Chennai Metropolitan Motor Workers’ Union general secretary B Anbazhagan, said the revised fare has come into force across the city. “Those who have not increased the fare are taking shorter routes to conserve fuel. Following the fuel hike, the price of all essential commodities have increased significantly. It is tough to sustain a livelihood by riding at old tariffs.”
Cost Alert!
- Pozhichallur Road to Pallavaram Rs 20
- Anna Nagar to T Nagar Rs 35
- Ambattur to Valluvar Kottam Rs 40
- Ambattur to T Nagar Rs 50