Consumer awareness key to reduce tampering incidents

Tampering of the metres is giving shocks to the commuters daily. Now, the consumer organisations are advocating increased vigil and alertness while travelling to reduce such incidents and create awareness among the wrongdoers.

They feel that people need to keep a watch on the fares displayed by the e-meter constantly. For the regular commuters, they have an idea of the probable fare that the meter would be showing. The unscrupulous drivers mainly look for passengers travelling long distance namely railway stations, ST buses and regular private bus stands.

"When a driver sees someone with luggage, he changes the pulse to fast using a switch," said Thampi Kurien, general secretary Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union.

The switches and buttons aren't easily visible as they are hidden under the steering handle or seat. Consumer activist AV Shenoy, Member, Mumbai Vikas Samiti says: "If a passenger feels that there is something wrong with the meter, the commuter can complain to the RTO. Also, the government should go for GPS-based autos and taxis for proper calculation of fares in the interest of the commuters."