Activists want e-meters for autorickshaws in Mumbai, Thane

Similar to the Hyderabad model, bring in electronic meters (e-meters) for autorickshaws in Mumbai and Thane within a specified period of time, consumer activists demanded at the two-hour long technical committee meeting held at the transport commissioner's office on Thursday.

Similar to the Hyderabad model, bring in electronic meters (e-meters) for autorickshaws in Mumbai and Thane within a specified period of time, consumer activists demanded at the two-hour long technical committee meeting held at the transport commissioner's office on Thursday.

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The meeting was attended by auto unions from across the state, e-meter manufacturers, Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP), regional transport officers and transport authorities.

Following, the Andhra Pradesh (AP) government's decision on e-meters, tenders were invited and specifications were sent to the manufactures. The state had fixed a standard meter price and had waived off the sales tax for a limited period.

"We expect our state government to invite reputed manufacturing firms and give them uniform e-meter features. They should decide the standard price for e-meters," said Shirish Deshpande, chairperson, MGP, during his presentation.

"Waiving off the sales tax will bring down the price and act as an incentive for auto drivers," added Deshpande.

Consumer activists also insisted on reducing the minimum meter distance from 1.6km to 1km.

"On several occasions, passengers travel 1.2km or less but are charged for 1.6km. Why should the commuters be forced to pay for the distance that they have not travelled?" asked Deshpande.

"The minimum distance should be reduced and beyond that the charges should be calculated for every 100m instead of the present 200m," he added.

The suggestions will be sent to the transport commissioner, who in turn will submit them to the chief minister.

Despite repeated attempts, transport authorities remained unavailable for comment.