No notification yet but autos start fleecing people

The Delhi government’s decision to substantially increase fares has not stopped auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers from fleecing passengers in the Capital .

The Delhi government’s decision to substantially increase fares has not stopped auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers from fleecing passengers in the Capital .

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While the government is yet to notify the new fare structure, auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers have already started charging passengers according to the new rate.

“I was really surprised when they (auto-rickshaw drivers) refused to go by meter. They asked for a flat 30% extra over the fare meter charge. I have been otherwise very lucky to always get auto-rickshaws ready to go by meter,” said Swati Sinha, a Patel Nagar resident who works for a travel agency at Connaught Place and takes an autorickshaw to work daily.

Pulkit Arora, a student, said auto-rickshaw drivers were adamant that the revised fare had already been implemented and were not ready to listen to the argument that the government had not come out with a notification yet.

“I had no choice but to pay whatever they demanded,” Arora said.

The Delhi government announced a hike in auto-rickshaw and taxi fare by 25% on account of increase in CNG prices, spare parts and labour. The new rates, however, will come into effect only after a notification is made by the transport department, which generally takes 2-3 days.

“A notification on hike in auto and taxi fare could not be issued today (Thursday). It is made clear that the new rates would come into force only after the issue of the notification,” the government released a statement late Thursday evening.
The base fare for autos has been increased to Rs 25 from Rs 19.50.