Over the years, shared auto-rickshaws and taxis have become more relevant. This is also seen on the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro rail corridor where shared auto stands are seen outside most of the stations. On the flip side, the drivers riding shared auto-rickshaws flout traffic norms the most.
To begin with, shared auto-rickshaws are seen outside metro rail stations like DN Nagar, Andheri, Saki Naka, Marol, Ghatkopar. These are apart from the regular auto rickshaw stands that are seen outside other metro stations. The transport experts claim this to be an efficient form of feeder routes, which has improved connectivity of people.
"These shared auto stands have given people an opportunity to save money and to disperse faster during rush hours," said AV Shenoy, transport expert and member of the Mumbai Mobility Forum.
However, the issues too follow these shared autos. The fare, though decided by the RTOs, is not followed by the drivers. The passengers complain that they feel they are overcharged by the drivers as there is no fare chart displayed outside the shared auto stands. The RTO officials however claim that it is mandatory for the local auto unions and drivers to place fare charts for a route.
Another problem is the quality of auto-rickshaws. According to auto-rickshaw unions, at least 20 per cent of shared autos plying do not have fitness certificates; this raises a safety concern. The unions allege that the auto drivers are hand in glove with local traffic cops and they without hesitation, breach traffic rules.
"The problem here is that ever since e-challan facility has come, the traffic cops simply click pictures of the shared auto rickshaws but rarely fine the drivers. What happens is that when the permit holder goes to the RTO then he has to pay the fine, and the driver who flouted traffic rules is let off," said an auto-rickshaw union leader Thampi Kurien.
Some of the most common offences are breaching the traffic signal, overspeeding, carrying more than three passengers at a time, and overcharging. Recently, the Andheri RTO fined over 700 auto-rickshaw drivers — running regular and shared autos — in the last few days.
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