Over 4000 auto-rickshaw operating in summer capital continue violate the High court orders and boarding passengers without digital meters.
As per the official at Transport department said that out of total 11609 auto- rickshaws, 4013 auto-rickshaws ply without meters and are taking fare randomly without displaying any fare list.
Scores of commuters in on Thursday said that the auto drivers throughout the city take haphazardly fares and loot the people in broad daylight.
Haneef Ahmad Kumar at SMHS Hospital said he boarded auto-rickshaw from Parimpora to SMHS Hospital and he was charged 190 rupees without showing any rate list or any meter reading.
He said traffic officials should launch a special drive against the auto drivers who are ply without installing meters.
The group of Commuters at Lal Chowk also complained during morning and evening hour’s auto rickshaws continue to taking fares on their own will and neglecting the actual readings on meters.
Another commuter at Qamarwari, Athar Jameel said auto drivers charge fares according to their choices. They are taking the advantage of this situation, he said.
However the group of auto-rickshaw drivers at TRC auto stand refused the allegations of the passengers that they are charging extra fares.
Javid Ahmad Mir, an auto driver said they have installed meters 2 year ago but no one is accepting the meter readings because most of the commuters lack knowledge.
“We have also some issues which are neglected by the government from past many years and that is why some auto- drivers are violating the fare rules,” Ahmad said.
He said government should increase auto fares from 17 rupees to 30 rupees per kilometer. We have also our families and have no other source of income except these auto-rickshaws, Mir said.
Another auto driver, Iqbal Saleem at Jehangir Chowk said petrol prices are hiking every day, spare parts price are also at sky and our passenger fare is same.
He said that main reason behind the charging extra fare from passengers during the evening and morning time is that condemn autos still are ply in the city and no action is taken against those by traffic police.
“People are not aware about these black sheep’s in our driver community and who overcharge people during emergency situations, “ Saleem said.
An official at RTO Kashmir office said that out of total 11609 auto-rickshaws in Srinagar and 4013 ply without installing meters.
“If anyone found driving condemn auto-rickshaw that will be seized by the department and also strong action will be taken against the owner,” the official said.
He said people should not pay extra fare to auto drivers except rate fixed by the government. If there is anywhere overcharging by auto drivers, the passenger should note down the license number and auto number and then complaint in RTO office, the official said. (JKNS)