Mumbai: Enforcement squads took action against 87 errant auto drivers over the weekend even as commuter rights activists on Sunday said cases have risen of commuters being fleeced, asked to pay hefty fares, or refused rides outside tourist spots, Metro stations, BKC and T2 airport. Many commuters lodged complaints or used social media to highlight malpractices and alleged that enforcement agencies were doing “precious little” to curb the menace.
“There has to be more visibility of RTO or police in BKC, where refusals and demand for hefty fares are rampant,” said BKC office-goer Shreyas Kulkarni. A college student said refusals are also seen during late evening concerts in BKC.
RTO officials in the western suburbs said the enforcement drive began alongside police, especially in Bandra East. An official said 103 autos underwent inspection on Saturday and over 50 e-challans were issued with fines amounting to around Rs 4 lakh in two days.
Passenger rights activist Anil Galgali said there aren’t just complaints of refusals but also of excessive fare demands, drivers without uniforms and badges, rigged meters and rude behaviour. “There is a need to discipline errant auto drivers. Fines alone will not serve the purpose.” RTO officials said earlier, permits/licences of drivers were suspended for up to 15 days.
“It’s an everyday ordeal waiting to get an auto from Kurla station, then haggling with the driver as he demands Rs 50-60 per passenger, which is twice the standard fare of Rs 90 for the entire auto,” said Vijayendra Bhaavsar, who works in BKC.
“Auto drivers fleecing commuters continue,” said a passenger who boarded an auto at T2 airport’s arrival area and was asked to pay excess fare after some distance. Another commuter said at T2’s share auto stand, drivers demand fixed hefty fares from single passengers.
A senior Andheri RTO official said: “Our squad will maintain surveillance outside stations and commercial districts.” A police official said this year, over 55,000 challans were issued to auto drivers.