Over 10 trade unions affiliated to Kovai District Auto Labourers Association (KDALA) on Thursday evening began enforcing the auto fare unilaterally increased by them.
Leaders of the trade unions including LPF, BMS, AITUC, CITU, SDPI and MMK participated in a programme to officially launch the unilateral fare hike by distributing the revised rate card printed by KDALA at three auto stands near Brookefields shopping mall, said P.K. Sukumaran, general secretary of KDALA.
It may be noted that only the State Transport Authority reserves the right to hike the fare. Mr. Sukumaran said that a few auto drivers were scared to implement the rate hike fearing punitive action by the Transport Department. However, passengers felt the difficulties faced by the auto drivers and did not show any resistance in paying the hiked rate.
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“As per the directions of the Madras High Court, the government should come forward to revise the fare once in two years. We hope that the government acts fast and finds out an amicable solution by announcing the hike officially and recalibrate the fare structure in the meters,” Mr. Sukumaran added.