‘Ghoda’ meters return as autos back on roads in Mumbai

MUMBAI: The ‘ghoda’ meters are back in a few places, as rogue auto drivers have begun operating in pockets outside T2 airport and at prominent stations such as LTT and Bandra Terminus, as more flyers and outstation passengers arrive in Mumbai, said sources in autorickshaw unions. An RTO official said when a passenger suspects something amiss with the meter, they should take a picture of the auto number and report it.
Thampy Kurien from Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union said these ‘fast’ meters are tampered with. “The pulse of the meter is manipulated to show inflated readings. The drivers control the meter with a switch, usually hidden under the seat or near the gear. The final fare will be close to double the usual, and those who are not regular travellers will fail to notice,” he said.
Maqbool Mujawar, whose auto union is active at the T2 airport, said a group of drivers with tampered meters park their autos a distance away from the stand—and away from the scruinty scrutiny of airport security and police.