SPEAK UP
Mulund, Bhandup, Kanjur Marg, Vikhroli, Ghatkopar, Kurla and Chembur get share-an-auto service. DNA asks commuters in the central suburbs what they think of the initiative
Santokben Rabadia (56), a resident of Bhattwadi, Ghatkopar (west), seemed relaxed on Tuesday evening, after she reached the railway station from work.
Employed with a private school at Sandhurst Road, she was relieved to see a share-an-auto-rickshaw stand outside the station. “Everyday, I used to haggle with rickshaw drivers and sometimes hunt for co-passengers to share an auto,” she said.
The regional transport office (RTO) flagged off the share-an-auto-rickshaw (SAR) services in the central suburbs on Tuesday, which could mean no more auto drivers refusing to ply short distances and an end to cheating on fares. The auto stands operate from seven railways stations for 27 short destinations.
The RTO inaugurated 23 stands outside Mulund, Bhandup, Kanjur Marg, Vikhroli, Ghatkopar, Kurla and Chembur railway stations on the east and west. The fares range from Rs5 to Rs9.
“We have started the stands as we noticed that rickshaw drivers were refusing to take passengers short distances. Moreover, with one passenger hiring a rickshaw, it would lead to a shortage of autos at the airport, plus traffic jams,” said VM Shinde, assistant, regional transport officer, Wadala.
“With the introduction of these stands, we hope to solve commuters’ problems. Traffic jams and pollution will reduce, and fuel consumption will go down, too. It’s a win-win situation for rickshaw drivers, who get 33% more than the meter fare, while passengers get a hassle-free ride for less,” he said.
You one can avail of an auto from outside Ghatkopar (west) to Amrutnagar for Rs7.50, instead of the meter fare of Rs17. However, passengers, mostly students, said Rs7.50 was too much. “I would prefer to take a bus, which costs me Rs5,” said Reshma Mane (18), a student of KJ Somaiya college, who stays at Amrutnagar.
Some auto drivers said they were ready to ply to Amrutnagar for even Rs6. “Till the Metro construction work is on, we can ply for Rs6, as we often get caught in traffic jams. Once the Metro is ready, we can charge only Rs4,” said Vinod Mayekar, a member of the Maharashtra Rickshaw Chalak Sanghatana.
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