By Sept-end, 47 more share-an-auto stands

The state transport department has not only promised to restart the share-an-auto stand at Bandra (East), which was shut down by automen, but also start 47 new stands by September 30.

The state transport department has not only promised to restart the share-an-auto stand at Bandra (East), which was shut down by automen, but also start 47 new stands by September 30.

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State Transport Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil on Monday said, “We have resumed two routes for share-an-auto and will setup a total of 288 stands soon, which include 47 by September-end.” Ten services will begin in the eastern suburbs between Kurla and Mulund/Mankhurd by October 2.

The auto drivers at the share-an-auto stand in Bandra had complained losses of around Rs 3-4 on both the routes. Also, they were unhappy with the department’s decision of not including Bandra-Kurla Complex as a route.

The department has already filed a first information report against some drivers, who created trouble on September 16 by stopping autorickshaws.

They have also taken help from the police and written to Amitabh Gupta, additional commissioner of police (western region), asking for more policemen to tackle unruly auto drivers.

Presently, there are 80 official share-an-auto stands, most in the western suburbs, while there are almost 100 illegal stands across Mumbai. Apart from this, the transport department also plans to have new share-a-taxi stands.

“The Regional Transport Office will co-ordinate with the municipal corporation for identifying space for these stands in the city,” added Vikhe-Patil.

Also, owners and drivers illegally running autorickshaws might get a new lease of life as the transport department plans to give them new permits.