SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: To provide transportation facilities to residents, the authorities have taken a good initiative to launch e-auto facility in several areas of Srinagar. According to authorities, it was a long pending demand of people residing in areas without easy access to public transport. Even though it is a welcome step and everyone is lauding it for convenience of general public but on the other hand, people are anguished that e-autos and other auto-rickshaws are not charging prescribed fares. Failure of authorities to install fare meters in auto-rickshaws in summer capital is taking heavy toll on passengers. Most of the passengers said that in absence of fare-meters in auto-rickshaws, they are being charged exorbitant fares. “In absence of any regulation, auto-rickshaws ply without fare meters. Taking undue advantage, most of the auto-rickshaw drivers charge exorbitant fares,” said a passenger, adding that for 3 to 4 Km, they charge Rs 100 to Rs 150, and for 10 Km they charge more than Rs 200.
Passengers further said that despite directions from authorities regarding installation of meters, no implementation is visible on ground level. “In absence of buses and cabs in evening hours, the fares of auto-rickshaws increase further. There are many young students who are can’t afford auto rides,” said students. “Although the authorities have started e-auto service in Srinagar city, the number of autos is low due to which there is a heavy rush during peak hours. Unless the number of auto-rickshaws is increased and rent is fixed, the problems will not end,” a commuter added. An auto-rickshaw driver said, “Majority of us are plying autos without meters for years. The rule should be implemented for all and rates should be fixed in a way so that we don’t face losses, petrol prices are skyrocketing.”