Citizens’ groups back No Auto-Taxi Day on October 31

Citizens’ groups from across the city have extended their support to the ‘No Auto-Taxi Day’ called by the Kandivli-based Acharya Atre Katta (AAK) on October 31. Prajakta Chavan Rane reports.

Citizens’ groups from across the city have extended their support to the ‘No Auto-Taxi Day’ called by the Kandivli-based Acharya Atre Katta (AAK) on October 31.

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The Kandivli-based citizens’ group and Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP) have appealed to Mumbaiites to boycott autos and taxis on Wednesday, October 31, to mark their protest against the steep fare hike.

Various citizens’ groups have now started spreading the word about this campaign through emails and text messages.

“We have been sending messages and emails to create awareness about ‘No Auto-Taxi Day’. All of us are frustrated with the exorbitantly auto fares, the drivers’ rude behaviour and the way they fleece people,” said Anandini Thakoor, chairperson H-west citizen federation. “They take commuters for granted, and it is time to show them how a refusal feels.”

Several residents are also doing their bit to spread awareness about the ‘No Auto-Taxi Day’.

“We will circulate emails and messages to people, requesting them to take buses or walk short distances on October 31. Anyway, the cost of commute has risen so much that people will gradually opt to walk or catches buses,” said Rajkumar Sharma, a Chembur resident and coordinator of Action for Good Governance and Networking in India.

GR Vora, a member of the F-north (ward) citizen federation, said he too has been circulating emails. “Many people have agreed to use alternative modes of transport,” he said.

The AAK has called a meeting on Saturday to discuss the campaign. “We have invited citizens and office-bearers’ of housing societies to the meeting in which we will discuss our campaign. On Monday and Tuesday evening, we will post volunteers at railway stations to inform people about ‘No Auto-Taxi Day’,” said Rajesh Gade, chief organiser of AAK.