Despite repeated instructions from authorities concerned, a good percentage of autorickshaws in Kollam city refuse to use fare meters and give the commuters a hard time.
Though drivers of over 5,000 autorickshaws plying in city limits were strictly directed to instal and use meters in November 2018, most drivers still keep them idle. While many of them have not recalibrated their meters after the recent increase in fares, Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) officials said that was no reason to avoid using them.
New charges
“We have issued fare charts based on which they can easily calculate the new charges. If drivers have not recalibrated the machines, the Legal Metrology Department is responsible for the delay. We think the majority of autorickshaws in Kollam city are using meters and charging commuters accordingly,” said Kollam RTO.
But according to commuters, autorickshaws from many major points in the city continue to ply without turning the meter on and even if they do so, they charge extra. “They had started using the meter in December and then this hike in charges happened. After that they point that out that as a reason and charge outrageous amounts. In the past two months the weather was too hot, forcing many to take autorickshaw rides and they are fleecing us,” says Sudhakaran, a retired teacher.
The Corporation authorities had also tried to make use of fare meters mandatory for autorickshaws operating within the city limits following a spate of complaints. “The unreasonable fares they demand and the rude behaviour of some drivers can tarnish the image of the city. We have been trying to fix the issue, but we will need some time to streamline it. I think by next month we can ensure strict action against those who violate the rules and overcharge the passengers,” said an official.
No action
While Legal Metrology Department officials insist they are causing no undue delay in the process of recalibrating the machines, regular passengers think there should conduct on- the-field inspections.
“They ask them to instal meters and then simply forget about it. Most of the autorickshaws have meters, but the drivers hardly turn them on. It is not possible for us to file complaints every day, so there should be some redressal mechanism,” said Deepa, a bank employee.