Autos take Metro users for a ride

In the absence of a fixed auto tariff structure, commuting in the Millennium City is a daily nightmare for Metro passengers. Unruly drivers charge exorbitant fares as the city administration continues to delay the implementation of a fare policy.

In the absence of a fixed auto tariff structure, commuting in the Millennium City is a daily nightmare for Metro passengers. Unruly drivers charge exorbitant fares as the city administration continues to delay the implementation of a fare policy.

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Moreover, if a passenger refuses to accept hiked rates spelt out by an auto driver, it's difficult to find another, especially around Metro stations and malls. Drivers here work with a mutually-agreed fare structure, leaving passengers in the lurch. Drivers can be seen hounding commuters, right outside the Metro gates, forcing them to board their vehicles. On the flip side, the fierce competition to bag customers leads to frequent tussles among auto drivers too.

There are five Metro stations in Gurgaon — Guru Dronacharya, Sikanderpur, MG Road, Iffco Chowk and Huda City Centre.

Though the district administration had directed the RTA to display a fare list at Metro stations, bus stands and important road intersections to help passengers, nothing was done. Attempts to make fare meters mandatory in Gurgaon have also failed to take flight in the city despite tall promises made by the administration.

"Drivers cannot force any commuter. If we receive any complaint against a driver, we will take strict action," said Maheshwar Dayal, DCP east, Gurgaon.