'Share autorickshaw system should be legalised in Pune'

Nana Kshirsagar, chairman of the Maharashtra Rickshaw Sena, spoke to Shweta Dandekar about the harassment suffered by citizens at the hands of
Pune’s autorickshaw drivers and
possible solutions. Excerpts:

Why do some drivers refuse to ferry customers?
Yes, I have received such complaints, and I completely understand the problem. However, the issue is only being seen from the citizens’ perspective. When customers want to go to an area that is far from the main areas, autorickshaw drivers do not get return fares. At the end of the day, they also need to earn money. Drivers mostly refuse at the end of their shift. This is because they might have to ferry passengers in the opposite direction.

In fringe areas, autorickshaws do not ply by meter. What are the reasons for this?
In areas such as Pimpri-Chinchwad, there is no scope for return fares. Hence, the autorickshaw drivers overcharge passengers. People in a hurry accept the fare, but those who have to travel regularly and do not have their own vehicles can share autorickshaws or tempos.

After speaking to autorickshaw drivers, we found that they overcharge in areas that follow share auto system. Why does this happen?
I have been a major promoter of the share autorickshaw system. I think that making the system legal will be beneficial to both drivers and passengers. The common man cannot afford autorickshaw rides due to exorbitant fuel prices. Ideally, the bus transportation system should be the common man’s way of travelling, but there is a lot of chaos in that system. Share autorickshaws are available at any point of time and are also easy on the pocket.

What are the solutions to these problems faced by citizens?
Mumbai has a very good system that has worked well for the city. It was started by the Mumbai Taxi Organisation. Every taxi bears the names of certain destinations. These places come under areas that are convenient for taxi drivers. This system should be adopted in Pune as well. This way the citizens will know which autorickshaw drivers will not refuse to ferry them.

Apart from this, auto stands can be set up near prominent places such as Pune Railway Station. Each auto stand can be allotted some areas. This will save a lot of time and help save the public from being harassed.