Srinagar, Aug 01: A group of senior residents of Srinagar city told Rising Kashmir, that the auto-rickshaws in the city are non-metered and drivers are charging passengers as per their will.
They said the authorities earlier carried out a drive during which auto-rickshaw drivers were pressed to install the meters or face action, however, no meters have been installed by the drivers yet, causing inconvenience to commuters. Many commuters accused the auto-rickshaw drivers of “fleecing” the customers.
A commuter, Nazir Ahmad Bhat, said that he boarded an auto-rickshaw from Parimpora to SMHS Hospital which charged him 250 rupees without showing any rate list or any meter reading.
He said traffic officials should launch a special drive against the auto drivers who are plying without installing meters.
A group of commuters at LalChowk also complained that during morning and evening hours auto-rickshaw drivers charge randomly neglecting the actual readings on meters.
A student at the University of Kashmir, Asif Ahad told Rising Kashmir that these auto drivers are charging Rs 100 to them from Lal-Chowk to University and Rs 70-80 from Jahangir Chowk to SMSH Hospital.
He said, we have to go to University every day and most of the time the minibuses are not available which forces them to travel to University in auto-rickshaws. He said that a huge amount of his pocket money goes into paying for auto-rickshaws.
A girl student of the varsity, Meer Mariya said, the minibuses are usually overloaded and it is not possible for any women to travel in the overloaded buses which, according to her, forces girl students to take auto-rickshaws instead but they charge huge amounts.
People also complained that there are no permanent auto stands and the auto drivers make auto stands where ever they wish.
When Rising Kashmir spoke to an auto driver, he said they have families to feed and have no other source of income except these auto-rickshaws.
Another auto driver, Aijaz Ahmad at JehangirChowk said petrol prices are hiking every day, spare parts prices are also high, while the passenger fare is the same.
People urge authorities to look into this matter and have digital meters installed in auto-rickshaws to end arbitrary fares.
Meanwhile, an official of the Motor Vehicle Department told Rising Kashmir they have not received any formal complaint. He said the regular drives in the city are being conducted to check the overcharging fare menace.
The officer also said people should not pay the extra fare and if any auto driver is insisting they pay extra fare they should instantly complain to the RTO office.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, ARTO Srinagar Sheikh Manzoor Ahmad said, “We have pasted fare list at various locations and have issued helpline numbers to people to call these numbers in case of violations.”
He further said, “People should coordinate and instead of calling anyone they should directly call our helpline number and I assure them strict action will be taken against the erring auto drivers.”
We acted earlier on complaints and blacklisted a few auto-rickshaws, he added.