76% of 750 people who took ongoing auto-taxi fare survey in Maha are Mumbaiites

Sources said that of the 76% Mumbaiites who participated, 59% from the city and 17% from Mumbai Metropolitan Region

In yet another show of dismal public participation, only 750 people responded to the pan-Maharashtra survey initiated by a government-appointed committee to help fix auto-rickshaw and taxi fares.

All four RTOs in Mumbai have been given the responsibility of compiling feedbacks from drivers and auto-taxi unions, which will be handed over to the committee by May 15. (HT file)

The four-member panel, chaired by former IAS officer BC Khatua, initiated a survey the on May 1 seeking feedback from citizens, drivers and auto-taxi unions on the existing and the upcoming fare structure. The panel was hoping at least 10,000 feedbacks. The survey ends on May 15.

Sources said that of those who participated, 76% were Mumbaiites — 59% from the city and 17% from Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Survey revealed that of the 750 respondents, 69% use autos and taxis to commute to work, 14% for education and 8% for recreation.

The Khatua panel had issued four separate forms for passengers, taxi and auto drivers and their unions. These forms were drafted with the help of World Research Institute (WRI), a research organisation.

“I want to appeal to people, especially the tech-savvy ones, to utilise this opportunity to give their honest opinion to the committee. This will help us to bring a balance between the service provided and the charges levied so that existing services are improved,” said Khatua, hinting that the deadline for the survey could be extended.

Vishal Ramprasad, WRI researcher on this project, said that they are using various tools for spreading awareness about the ongoing survey through social media and other available platforms.

Meanwhile, all four RTOs in Mumbai have been given the responsibility of compiling feedbacks from drivers and auto-taxi unions, which will be handed over to the committee by May 15.