Authorities fail to install meters in auto-rickshaws

Srinagar, Aug 19: Amid absence of meters in auto-rickshaws, passengers in Srinagar complain of paying exorbitant fares.

Several passengers said that the failure of authorities to enforce metered autos is creating problems for them. They said that the issue is burning holes in their pockets in the absence of a proper check.

The passengers said that a large population in Srinagar relies on auto-rickshaws for their daily commute, and as there is no check on fares due to meterless autos. The passengers said that over the years, despite various directions and orders by authorities, Auto-Rickshaws have been operating without meters across Srinagar.

“The Transport authorities and Traffic Police have failed to push operators to ensure digital meters, and we are facing huge inconvenience due to the exorbitant rates. Unless some serious steps are taken in this regard, Srinagar will continue to be a place with meterless autos,” said Hilal Ahmed, a passenger.

These passengers say that almost all auto-rickshaws in Srinagar have failed to comply with the authorities' directions to install meters and charge passengers according to their own choice.

“It has become a norm that for a few kilometers, these auto rickshaws are charging 100-200 rupees, and as passengers, we are unable to say anything because there is no meter installed. It often turns into an argument, and at the end, a passenger is on the receiving end,” said Shahid Ahmad, another passenger.

The passengers said that during the evening, when there is scarce transport available, these auto-rickshaw operators charge according to their own choice. RTO Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, said that starting from August, they will cancel the fitness of Auto-rickshaws operating without meters.

“I have also written to Traffic police and other concerned departments in this regard. We won’t let meterless autos operate, and we will cancel their fitness,” Bukhari said.