Letters: Hailing an auto-rickshaw

This refers to the report, "On a path less travelled, in an auto-rickshaw" (Start-up Corner, September 23). One can always keep his fingers crossed about the success of the feeder service in the form of auto-rickshaws. But what is needed is a service when public transport systems such as BEST go on strike, or when there is a strike by auto-rickshaw unions. This could be a novel corporate social responsibility initiative if companies come together, including those who manufacture auto-rickshaws. It will be an emergency-response system, on the lines of disaster management service. Meanwhile, an unexpected development has taken place in Chennai. Auto-rickshaws have started charging commuters by meter again. Autos in Chennai never charged on meter, and one usually needed to bargain. Now, the state government has fixed new rates for autos, and for the first time in Chennai, one can find autos fitted with electronic digital meters and a global positioning system facility. They will also come with panic buttons for the passenger, which would send a signal to the police control room, if he/she senses any danger either from the driver or from stalkers. The new fares are high - Rs 25 for the first 1.8 km, and Rs l2 for every extra kilometre. The new fares in Chennai have brought a 75 per cent increase in the minimum fare, and auto-rickshaw unions have agreed to implement the new meters and new rates along with rate cards. Only time will tell if the new venture, Autowale, is able to break the hold of various auto unions.

Deendayal M Lulla Mumbai

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