Auto drivers: Steeper fares, protection from police harassment on anvil

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Sunday announced that a committee has been formed to increase the fare of autorickshaws. Acknowledging autorickshaw drivers’ role in his poll victory, Kejriwal said, over 400 new halt-and-go stands and relaxation in rules, including permission to refuse customers while returning home, were on the anvil.

He said a committee has been formed, which will decide on the formula for fare revision. “Based on that formula, each year on April 1, we will increase the fare. This formula will also be discussed with autorickshaw drivers,” he said. 

Kejriwal also asked the auto drivers to improve their service and raised the issues of auto drivers turning away passengers and misbehaving – two of the most frequent complaints. He also said that auto-complaint helpline number 011-42400400 will be revived to address the issue of overcharging and refusal. Strict action will be taken in case of violations. “In three months, we have delivered on more than half the promises made to auto drivers. <g data-gr-id="33">Biggest</g> problem for auto drivers is <g data-gr-id="34">rule</g> of 66/192 A. Traffic police seize autos if the driver is not in proper uniform and for other minor violations.

“We have taken the power to book under Section 66/192 A from police and given it to the transport department. Now, police cannot book you for minor offences. Police can take action only for driving without permit, fitness certificate, driving licence and for driving under the influence of alcohol,” Kejriwal said.

He also said drivers can refuse a <g data-gr-id="31">passenger,</g> if they put up a display board showing the name of the place where he is heading while returning home. “If you are going home in the evening, put up a placard with your route on it and you will not be <g data-gr-id="32">challaned</g> for refusing commuters,” Kejriwal told autorickshaw drivers. Kejriwal added that <g data-gr-id="30">name</g> of four GPS manufacturing companies has been put on display on the transport department website that can provide the cheapest device to the drivers to install in their vehicles.