BELAGAVI
Goans visiting Belagavi can now heave a sigh of relief as the Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil has directed auto rickshaw owners and drivers to install meters and charge passengers as per the auto-meter tariff.
Most Goans are made to pay hefty auto fares when they park their vehicles and roam in the market in an auto.
Patil has also warned of stringent action against those trying to flout the orders and fleece the customers.
He was speaking at a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office here, where matters pertaining to fleecing of passengers, especially the visitors to Belagavi city were discussed on priority.
Accordingly, the auto-meter tariffs will be revised and the auto-meters will be installed and operated.
The current minimum fare for autorickshaws is Rs 25 per 1.5 km, but most autorickshaws have been accused of extorting the public by charging exorbitant rates.
“Many complaints are received from passengers every day regarding autorickshaw drivers charging exorbitantly to the extent of Rs 150-200 rupees for just 1.5 km. Hence, all autorickshaws should install meters immediately to control these malpractices and fleecing of passengers,” DC Patil said.
Complaints were also received from people travelling at night about the unruly behaviour of autorickshaw drivers who were trying to bully passengers by asking for a huge tariff.
DC Patil gave strict instructions that if there are complaints of extortion, the auto will be seized and the driving license of the driver will be cancelled.
Office-bearers of the autorickshaw associations have been asked to give notice to the members.
DC Patil also said the revision rate will be fixed only if the office bearers of the autorickshaw associations give definite information about the installation of meters.
Traffic and Crime DCP Sneha PV, RTO Shivanand Magdum and members of autorickshaw associations were present at the meeting.
Most Goans are made to pay hefty auto fares when they park their vehicles and roam in the market in an auto.
Patil has also warned of stringent action against those trying to flout the orders and fleece the customers.
He was speaking at a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office here, where matters pertaining to fleecing of passengers, especially the visitors to Belagavi city were discussed on priority.
Accordingly, the auto-meter tariffs will be revised and the auto-meters will be installed and operated.
The current minimum fare for autorickshaws is Rs 25 per 1.5 km, but most autorickshaws have been accused of extorting the public by charging exorbitant rates.
“Many complaints are received from passengers every day regarding autorickshaw drivers charging exorbitantly to the extent of Rs 150-200 rupees for just 1.5 km. Hence, all autorickshaws should install meters immediately to control these malpractices and fleecing of passengers,” DC Patil said.
Complaints were also received from people travelling at night about the unruly behaviour of autorickshaw drivers who were trying to bully passengers by asking for a huge tariff.
DC Patil gave strict instructions that if there are complaints of extortion, the auto will be seized and the driving license of the driver will be cancelled.
Office-bearers of the autorickshaw associations have been asked to give notice to the members.
DC Patil also said the revision rate will be fixed only if the office bearers of the autorickshaw associations give definite information about the installation of meters.
Traffic and Crime DCP Sneha PV, RTO Shivanand Magdum and members of autorickshaw associations were present at the meeting.
