Times of India deserves credit for its sustained campaign against the tyranny of Chennai’s auto drivers. For years these have resisted charging by the meter, demanding fares arbitrarily and exploiting the hapless customer. TOI ran a regular campaign for months that resulted in the matter taken to the court which, in turn, directed the government to regulate the system.
The idea of digital fare meter was mooted five years ago. Policymakers have zeroed in on the methodology. The government has agreed to meet the cost of the meters of these for a total outlay of Rs 109 crore and provide these free to 43,000 auto rickshaws in Phase 1. An estimated 82,700 auto rickshaws are plying in the metro. In recently proposed Autorickshaw Monitoring and Inspection System, the digital meter is linked to the control room through GPS; it can monitor the travel route, charges by the meter calculated for the distance travelled on the rates fixed… The printed fare receipt would mention the distance and the fare.
Uber, Ola and other call taxi services have been functioning with reliable and efficient apps and provide competitive fares. The innovations of share rides have further reduced riding costs. Share autos, another native jugaad, offers convenient transfers at affordable, modest price. The metro rail with speed and air-conditioned comfort is yet another choice. The new system expected to be launched in about a year is bound to be a boon to commuters. TOI can take legitimate satisfaction.
