As autorickshaw drivers continue their protests resisting the installation of digital meters, the Traffic Department has warned them of strict action if they fail to install meters soon. Autorickshaw drivers in the city continued to observe strike for the third day today to protest against the installation of fare meters, which has been made mandatory by the district administration last week.
The drivers began the strike on Saturday following district administration’s directive ordering them to use fare meters, which the autorickshaw drivers’ community has resisted so far.
Autorickshaw drivers charge commuters arbitrarily and the charges sky-rocket during evening hours. The strike has caused a lot of trouble to commuters. Autorickshaw drivers, which form a considerable number in the city, held demonstrations on Monday to press for their demand. The drivers are demanding that the metered rates be revised to Rs 30 per km instead of Rs 17 per km, which has been designated by the administration.
The Traffic Department officials said today that autorickshaws were an important mode of public transport and they were bound to exhibit the sense of responsibility and service while dealing with passengers. “Public grievances with special reference to overcharging in the absence of calibrated digital fair meters have compelled the administration to stem the high-handedness of violators fleecing general public at will,” said an official from the department.
The officials said in order to safeguard the interest of the general public, all the autorickshaw operators in the summer capital were advised to install and operate digital fare meters and exhibit a sense of responsibility.
Agitating auto rickshaw drivers told to install meters or face action
