New system to lodge complaints against fleecing auto-drivers

The transport department here Monday introduced a new system to enable passengers lodge complaints with the department against fleecing auto-drivers.

A press release from Raj Niwas said the Commissioner of Transport A S Sivakumar released the 'Auto Passenger Grievances or Complaints Card' in the presence of the Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi.

The pre-paid postal card prepared under 'Meghdoot Post Card Scheme' contains details on the rate of fare and also facilitates passengers to lodge complaints or grievances with the transport department, the release said.

The cards are available at the railway station, bus terminals, all police stations and at the post offices free of cost, it said.

The release said that passengers who are made to pay fare in excess of the rate mentioned in the cards or are subjected to any misbehaviour can record the facts by ticking the relevant columns in the card and drop the cards in the nearest postboxes, the release said.

Passengers can also submit the card at the nearest police station which would record the complaints in their daily diary report, it said.

The transport department, after receiving the complaints, would take appropriate action under the relevant statutes against erring auto-drivers and impose penalties and would also cancel driving licence of repeat offenders, it said.

The release said that aggrieved passengers can also approach traffic police for assistance. Complaints on toll- free numbers 100, 1031 or 1073 are also available.

The Lieutenant Governor has appealed to the public to make use of the facility for successful implementation of the new scheme.