For many commuters, share autorickshaws are a lifeline in a city that has no integrated transport system. However, a large chunk of these vehicles, which are unregulated, are in fact contributing to further chaos on the city’s roads.
Many of these vehicles carry more than their capacity and stop at roadsides and sometimes, even the middle of the road. The erratic fare system is another source of irritation for commuters. On many occasions, routes too change without any notice, leaving commuters stranded.
Selvi Duraikannu, a resident of K.K.Nagar, said: “I travel from Nandambakkam to Porur frequently. I recently paid Rs. 15 for a trip that usually costs Rs.10. They have frequent halts and wait for a long time for seats to get filled.”
In north Chennai, the situation is exacerbated by the fact that many commuters rely on them in the absence of proper bus connectivity. Many commuters complained that the vehicles take in up to 12 passengers and often cause traffic congestion, particularly in Mint.
P. Venkatesh, a resident of Basin Bridge, said, “I find it convenient to travel by share autorickshaws for short distances. But most of them are overcrowded. There is no fixed fare too.”
Commuters are also left in the lurch by the sudden change in routes. G. Rajeswari, a resident of Choolaimedu, said: “When drivers find there are fewer passengers on a particular route, they effect a change mid-way without informing us.”
S. Kumaresan of Kutchery Road said Tata Magic vehicles have started creating traffic problems on Luz Church Road too. “The traffic police do not seem to be bothered to regulate them,” he said.
Commuters demand that the share autorickshaws be regulated and the government provide fixed rates and routes for the vehicles.
There are only 197 authorised share autorickshaws plying in the city. “The others, including the APE and Tata Magic vehicles, plying as share autorickshaws are not legal. But, transport and police officers are not taking action against them, despite repeated pleas,” said S. Ezhumalai, president, Chennai Suburban Share Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union.
The group of authorised share autorickshaw drivers in the city had earlier requested the government to increase the fares. “We now charge Rs. 5 as the minimum amount. We have sought an increase in the number of authorised rickshaws too as the demand is higher,” he added.
A senior transport department official said that officials have started detaining APE and Tata Magic vehicles that are running as share autorickshaws.
