TWO weeks after the Regional Traffic Authority (RTA) in Thane revised the minimum fares of petrol and Compressed Natural Gas-run autorickshaws, commuters are still confused over the difference in the tariff rates.
On September 9, the RTA slashed the minimum fare of CNG-run autorickshaws from Rs 11 to Rs 9 and increased the minimum fare of petrol-run ones by 50 paise—making it Rs 11.50.
Commuters complain that CNG-run autorickshaw drivers overcharge them as they still follow the old tariff rate, when the minimum fare was Rs 11.
Panchpakhadi resident Rahul Patel (23) complains: ‘‘Some CNG-run autorickshaw drivers feign ignorance and charge as per the old tariff card, which was scrapped on September 1.’’
Last week, when Patel was travelling from Panchpakhadi to Teen Petrol Pump in a CNG-run autorickshaw, the driver charged him Rs 11. Only after a long argument, did the driver relent and Patel paid Rs 9.
Expecting such problems, the RTA had printed green cards indicating the fare for CNG-run autorickshaws and pink ones for petrol-run ones and passed them on to the unions so that they could be distributed among the drivers. But they seem to have been of little help.
Fumes sales executive Vijay Turkur (23), who travels by an autorickshaw every day from his Naupada residence to Thane station: ‘‘When you ask for the card, they argue that though the RTA has revised the fare, it has not yet been implemented.’’
Moreover, there are drivers who still do not specify if their vehicle runs on petrol or CNG, though the RTA had informed them to make provisions wherein the commuters can identify a petrol or CNG-run vehicle.
‘‘Some drivers have inscribed petrol or CNG on their autorickshaw, but the writing is so tiny that it’s difficult to read,’’ complains Waghbeel resident Kiran Bangle (24). The media planner travels to Thane station every day by an autorickshaw.
Shiv Sena affiliated-Ekta Rickshaw and Taxi Drivers and Owners Association President Vinayak Surve agrees that some drivers resort to such malpractices. ‘‘There are black sheep in every profession. But whenever a commuter complains, we give him/her a patient ear.’’
Echoes Deputy Regional Traffic Officer (Thane) N S Jadhav: ‘‘If people come forward and lodge complaints, action will surely be taken. But a follow-up of the complaint should also be done by commuters.’’
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dynaeshwar Chavan says: ‘‘In the last 15 days, we have received several complaints of autorickshaw drivers overcharging commuters. In most cases, we managed to trace the errant drivers and fine them.’’
Commuters, who are overcharged, can contact the traffic police on 25424936 or 25401056 and specify the autorickshaw number plate.
(With inputs from Pawan Goswami)