Chennai: Cab, autorickshaw fares skyrocket

CHENNAI: Fearing damage to their vehicles, several taxis and autorickshaw drivers in the city kept off roads on Friday, pushing up fares. Some commuters had to pay at least `100-150 more than the usual fare. Though MTC buses and suburban trains were being operated, reaching work places and returning home were arduous tasls for many people. With fewer bike taxis than usual on the road because of rain, commuters had to depend on either cabs or autorickaws. “Almost nine out of the ten bookings were cancelled by app-based taxi drivers. Since we are left with no other option, we have to agree to high fares,” said V Shruthi, who works at Porur DLF IT Park.
While customers like her aired their grievances on social media, the companies came up with customary replies, and no action followed. Regular autorickshaws parked at every corner of the city and transit hubs like railway stations and bus stands made hay. On Friday evening, it was difficult to find autorickshaws; most of them demanded double the usual fare,” said Rahim Basha, a commuter from Tambaram. Taxi and auto drivers said most of their fellow workers did not opt to drive on Friday as it was risky. “Rain and heavy winds make rides dangerous and we will have to spend `10,000 or more if water enters the engine, or some flying object damages the windshield. This extra fare is for the risk taken in transporting passengers safely to their destinations,” said B Manikandan, an auto-driver from Madipakkam.