The meter fare system for autorickshaws will come into effect in the city from Friday.
As per a recent government order fixing the revised fares, the minimum fare (for the first 1.8 km) for autos will be Rs. 25 and Rs. 12 for every additional kilometre.
Meanwhile, meeting one of the demands from autorickshaw drivers, District Collector Jayashree Muralidharan has announced that arrangements have been made for sanction of loans for the drivers to purchase digital fare meters.“There has been request from drivers for arranging loans for purchase of the meters. Based on this, arrangements have been made for the sanction of loans,” she said in a press release.
Auto drivers who wish to get the loans can approach the District Lead Bank Manager at the Indian Overseas Bank at Bharathidasan Salai in the city along with required documents such as registration certificate, insurance, and permits of the vehicles.
Ms. Muralidharan said digital fare meters were available with retail dealers in adequate numbers. Hence all autorickshaws should fix the meters before Friday and get the same approved at the respective Regional Transport Office. Autorickshaws plying without fare meters would face legal action, she warned.
A large number of autorickshaw drivers have started flocking the Regional Transport Offices over the past few days to get the fare cards which have to be prominently displayed inside the vehicles for the customer view.
