Share autorickshaws in the city want to play a bigger role. Drivers and owners have approached the government to identify them as feeder services at important public transit locations like the MRTS stations, where they will be provided separate bays and other facilities.
The demand comes at a time when the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority had recommended using share autos as feeder services between major public transport modes. The State Transport Department identified a total of 90 such locations, but the number was later reduced to 46 keeping in mind the small bus services operated by the MTC.
“It will be beneficial for the commuters, especially those who travel by MRTS,” said S. Ezhumalai, president of Chennai Suburban Share Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union. But the current number of authorised share autos would not be sufficient for feeder services.
“We have requested the transport department to provide more permits,” he added. They also want the fares to be increased.
Senior officials said that all decisions will be taken after the polls.
