Auto drivers frown upon Pune Regional Transport Office’s '3,000 surcharge; to go on indefinite strike

Pune: The auto rickshaw union has threatened to go on an indefinite strike protesting against the irregularitiesbeing carried out by the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO). The union members of Pune District Transport Seva (PDTS), allege that the Pune RTO is charging Rs 3,000 extra for the registration of new auto rickshaws. Besides this, PDTS has said that despite the fact that Pune RTO has permitted us to ferry six school children in the auto rickshaw the traffic department is taking action against them. PDTS will be going on strike next month.

Founder president of PDTS, Sanjay Kawade, said, “We have proof of irregularities at Pune RTO. Instead of Rs 4,500 they are charging over Rs 7,500 for new auto registrations. Besides this they do not allow to transfer the old transfer the old LPG kit in the new auto rickshaw even after the old auto rickshaw is scrapped.”
Kawade added,”Apart from this the electronic meters are also not allowed to get transferred from the old to new auto rickshaw. We have have lodged a first investigation report at Samarth police station for 30 auto rickshaws drivers who were fleeced by the RTO. If the police is unable to take action in the next 15 days then we will be going for indefinite strike.”
Deputy Pune Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Anil Valiv said, “After checking the condition of CNG cylinder we allow it to get transferred. The charges for registration of the auto rickshaw is taken as per norms and we do not charge extra.”