GPS-enabled autos to hit Delhi roads

Delhiites will no longer be overcharged by auto drivers. In a move to introduce greater transparency, Delhi government will soon replace the present electronic meter with a new Global Positioning System (GPS) device, which will also print the fare receipt charged by the auto driver.

Delhiites will no longer be overcharged by auto drivers.

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In a move to introduce greater transparency, Delhi government will soon replace the present electronic meter with a new Global Positioning System (GPS) device, which will also print the fare receipt charged by the auto driver.

“A presentation was made by the transport department about the GPS device and the software. We are hoping that the software will be ready by the end of the month. The GPS device will be able to issue fare slips too,” said Arvinder Singh, transport minister of Delhi.

The receipt will have information about the distance travelled, the route taken and the registration number of the auto rickshaw, which will ensure safety of the passenger. The government plans to start the installation work by December. A trial run on a sample size will be done before the devices are fitted in every auto.

Benefits of the new system

According to transport department officials, the current electronic meters work according to the rotation of the tyres, whereas the new GPS system would work after grasping information from the connected satellites.

“To begin with, both electronic meters and GPS devices will be functional. After that, a review of the system will be done and we will then phase out the electronic meters," said a senior official.

Officials said that in case an autowallah refuses to go to a particular destination, people will be able to call on the complaint number and with the help of the GPS system, one will be able to track the location of the auto rickshaw and action will be taken against the errant auto rickshaw drivers.

“This will put an end to the haggling by the autowallahs, which is rampant right now,” said a senior transport department official. However, the auto rickshaw drivers are not happy with the government’s decision.

“We are not opposed to the scheme but we will not be able to pay as much the government demands. The CNG prices have gone up. We are planning to hold a rally on November 23 as all our demands haven't been met yet,” said Rajendra Soni, president of Bharat Auto rickshaw Chaalak Singh.

There are 55,000 autos plying in the city.