In some pockets of suburban Mumbai, absence of autorickshaws proved to be a hurdle for commuters, while in some areas they were available, but in lesser number.
Wednesday's token single-day auto rickshaw strike had mixed response. The prime reason for it not being a complete success was non-participation by all the unions. The strike call was given by only Mumbai Autorickshawmen's Union.
In some pockets of suburban Mumbai, absence of autorickshaws proved to be a hurdle for commuters, while in some areas they were available, but in lesser number. Thankfully, no incident of vandalising any tourist permit vehicle were reported. In the last one year, some autorickshaw-taxi unions have resorted to violence to create fear but still termed their protest against cab aggregators as "peacefull".
Absence of auto rickshaws were felt more in the areas like Dahisar, Goregaon, Ghatkopar, Chembur, etc. Outside some railway stations only sharing autorickshaws were available and availability of autorickshaws for an independent ride was scarce.
Some of the reasons behind the autorickshaw drivers turning up were non-association with the union that gave the strike call, drivers going on a holiday during Ganpati festival and needing money for the celebrations, strike being an opportunity for good business (more earning than the usual days), etc. There were reports of drivers making a quick buck by charging double the tariff.
The strike was to protest operations of cab aggregators, who frequently ferry commuters at fares lesser than black-and-yellow taxis and auto-rickshaws. Some of the other demands included ban on surge pricing, taxi meters in taxis with cab aggregators, RTO approved fares, mandatory purchase of taxi permit by them, etc.
Motorists in Mumbai were also of the opinion that the roads were relatively emptier, thus lesser traffic congestion in suburban Mumbai.
"Till 4 pm, the BEST operated 123 extra buses to lighten the inconvenience caused to commuters, majority of them were in suburban Mumbai," said Hanumant Gophane, spokesperson of BEST. These extra buses operated from the bus depots of Malwani, Goregaon, Oshiwara, Magathane, Malad, Mulund, Vikhroli, Anik, Deonar, etc.
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