The city police have set up ‘Prepaid Auto Booths’ to prevent auto drivers from collecting extra fares from the passengers during the ongoing APSRTC strike.
The booths will help to control auto drivers from fleecing the public in view of the ‘Samaikyandhra’ agitation.
“We held discussions with the leaders of Auto Workers Unions, affiliated to various political parties, and asked them to ensure that the drivers collect normal fares from the passengers. But, taking advantage of the APSRTC strike, some drivers are charging three to four times excess than the normal fares. Following complaints, we decided to curb the menace”, City Police Commissioner B. Srinivasulu told The Hindu .
Police conducted special drives at different points and booked cases against the drivers who are demanding extra amount from the passengers. About 57 autos were seized and were handed over to the Transport Department for further action, he said.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), N.V. Ramana said that four prepaid auto booths were set up in the city at Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS, abutting National Highway), Gandhi Bomma Centre, Challapalli Banglow and at Benz Circle. One Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and three constables would operate each booth.
“The staff in the booth would issue slips to the passengers prescribing normal fares to each point, who in turn would pay after reaching their destination. Passengers are requested to call over police Phone Nos: 94406-27066, 94406-27068, 94406-27069 (or) 94407-96450 to register any complaints”, said Mr. Ramana.
Public travelling towards Guntur, Tadepalli, Mangalagiri, Kankipadu, Vuyyuru and other areas can collect slips at the PNBS booth. Passengers proceeding to Gollapudi, Ibrahimpatnam and the nearby places can avail police services at Gandhi Bomma Centre booth.
Similarly, passengers moving towards Nunna, Kandrika, Ramavarappadu and the areas in the same route can use the prepaid auto booth at Challapalli Bungalow.
The fourth booth arranged in front of Sankranthi Hotel, at Benz Circle, would be useful for the public travelling towards Kanuru and other places, said the Police Commissioner.
