Autorickshaw drivers refusing to ply — both for short and long distances — is the main complaint of passengers. Citizens find themselves at the receiving end of automen’s behaviour with the latter declining to ply and passengers not having the time to argue with them.
In most of the cases, people end up looking for other autos to take them to their desired destination. On an average, Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) receives 75 complaints every month regarding refusal to ply and nine complaints for rude behaviour.
Passengers facing this situation on a daily basis exposes the indifferent attitude of RTO officials to resolve the issue. dna is running a campaign Auto Loot to bring to you all the problems that passengers using autorickshaws face.
Here is what we saw
On day three, Team dna focused on the issues of automen’s rude behaviour and refusal to ply. The auto fare hike was done in an effort to reduce the number of drivers saying no to passengers, but the problem persists. The drivers not only refuse but also argue with passengers as to why they do not want to go. They do not care if the passenger has to go to someplace in an emergency or is a senior citizen.
Worst-affected areas
As per Pune RTO records, maximum number of complaints were received from Kondhwa, Hadapsar, Kothrud, Aundh, Baner and Wanawadi areas.
What Pune RTO says
The Pune regional transport office has only received 740 complaints for refusal and 90 complaints for rude behaviour in the past 10 months. Deputy regional transport officer Anil Valiv said, “The fare hike was implemented so that the increasing number of refusals can be brought down. We will be conducting special drives in the coming days and take strict action against errant drivers.”
According to Valiv, the driver’s licence is suspended for 10 days after receiving the complaint and he is made to pay a fine of Rs500. If the complaint is for two offences like refusal and rude behaviour then the licence is suspended for one month and the fine is Rs1,000 fine.
Here is where to complain
Helpline number: 020-26058090, 020-26057414, Toll Free: 1800-233-0012; email:mh12@mahatranscom.in
Write in
To send in your experience of fleecing by auto rickshaw drivers, write to
puneinbox@dnaindia.net
anuj.ismail@dnaindia.net
Automen licence suspended for refusing to carry passenger
Jan:65
Feb:55
Mar:88
April:99
May:64
June:38
July:38
Aug:59
Sept:84
Oct:150
Automen licence suspended for rude behaviour
Jan:13
Feb:10
Mar:16
April:16
May:06
June:07
July:02
Aug:05
Sept:10
Oct: 05
