LTT to get Mumbai’s first prepaid auto stand

MUMBAI: The city will get its first prepaid autorickshaw stand at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, known for errant drivers fleecing commuters and committing crimes. people can book an autorickshaw over a mobile app after alighting from the train so that do not have to interact with touts or rogues.
MMRTA approved the stand, while Central Railway agreed to provide space for a booth. The stand will be operated by Maharashtra Rickshaw Chalak Sena of Ghatkopar in a few days.
MMRTA stated, “RTOs should also try to contact railways at other stations (including Bandra Terminus and Borivli) to expedite setting up of similar prepaid auto stands in the city.” Prepaid stands will ensure commuters are not overcharged/ fleeced and reach their destinations “safely, comfortably and on time”.
MMRTA has fixed the rate chart, the first for Mumbai, which will be applicable at all prepaid auto stands in the region. The minimum fare will be Rs 29 (up to 2km) to incentivise drivers for short trips; Rs10 will be charged as service fee, while an additional charge of 25% will apply for late night journeys from midnight to 5am. Late night travel will have a minimum fare of Rs 46, which includes the service fee.
The normal fare (2-4km) has been fixed at Rs 59, while for 4-6km it will be Rs 84.
MMRTA’s order said, “Incentives will be 20% more for up to 4km, 15% for 4-8km, 10% for 8-10km and 5% above the normal fare for 20-45km. Around 500 autos may operate daily once the service starts at LTT.”
Transport commissioner Shekhar Channe has been pushing for prepaid auto stands. “The stands will be convenient for commuters, especially those who are new to the city and are unaware of the fares. A policeman or auto union official will keep a diary with the driver’s name, vehicle number, destination, passenger’s name and phone number. It will ensure transparency and passenger safety,” he said.
Sources said that the union will have to deploy six employees with computers and printers to provide the 24x7 service and to keep tabs on autos that ferry passengers from the stands. Initially, as per MMRTA’s directive, there has to be strict vigilance by RTO, traffic police, RPF, GRP and city police at the auto stand.