At Chromepet, auto fares are exorbitant even for a short distance. Passengers are reported to be shelling out at least Rs. 50 for a minimum distance.
The general public have requested the transport authorities to introduce share auto facility in the suburbs connecting Pallavaram, Nemilichery-Chromepet, Zameen Royapettah, Chromepet, Lakshmipuram, AGS Colony and other residential localities.
At present, share autos ply up to Hastinapuram from Grand Southern Trunk (G.S.T.) Road. “The Transport Department should introduce share autos at Chromepet for making life easier for passengers. The auto drivers fleece hapless passengers by charging extra for a short distance. Sometimes, they refuse to come for a short distance.
Auto drivers are supposed to use the metres, but they do not operate fare meters and demand exorbitant fares,” passengers said. “Though the government had directed autorickshaw drivers to install fare metres and operate on metre-basis, auto drivers here continue to harass commuters by charging exorbitantly.”
“Auto drivers charge fares without any consideration and there seems to be no rules and regulations for them," said R. Rajesh, a passenger who shelled out Rs. 150 for a short ride in the suburbs. He had paid thrice what have cost him for the ride had the fixed tariff been followed.
“Most of the auto drivers demand ‘return fare’, citing that they are unable to get passengers while returning. Every 10-15 metres, there is an auto-stand on GST Road,” he pointed out. “We have to make both ends meet. We need to pay the daily rent for the auto, bear the maintenance cost of the vehicle, shell out money for repairs and insurance. Apart from this, personal and family expenditure must be taken care of. So, with the present tariff, this is not possible. We will be happy if the tariff rates are increased. The government should take steps to revise the rates,” auto drivers said.
