Auto drivers fleece commuters in the absence of public transport

Vijayawada: Lack of public transport in the city due to Samaikyandhra agitation has affected the daily routine of people.

The agitation, which was successful in roping in government as well as private employees, has left the public, especially commuters to their fate.

The hike in auto charges came in for criticism from the general public. The autowallas have increased the charges by more than 50 per cent. The auto rickshaws are doing a roaring business now in the absence APSRTC services.

The minimum charge for a kilometre distance has been hiked to Rs 10 from Rs 6 earlier. For a two kilometre distance, Rs 20 is demanded from the passengers. Autowallas are now cashing in on the demand and are running unlimited and overtime services.

P Sireesha, expressed her anguish over the unjust decision of the autowallas in hiking charges from Rs 6 to Rs 10 as the minimum charge. The strike is indirectly benefitting these auto drivers. “To cope with the losses now, the APSRTC is certain to increase the price of the tickets, which is again a burden on the common man. It is a shame that we have no governance,” she added. There are as many as 3000 autos that include four-seater and seven-seater (service autos) in the city limits. When the shared-autos are demanding higher price for a ride, the four-in- one autos are also doing the same. After 9 pm, the charge is increased by another 15 per cent or more depending on the distance.

Lack of public transport has increased the traffic, which added to the woes of the public. The private heavy vehicles are also into the business while there is 20 per cent increase in the two wheelers and mopeds on the roads in the city. T Shankar, an auto driver said, “We are the only alternative to public transport in the city now. We are working overtime charging Rs 10 to Rs 20 extra. We are far better compared to RTC which hikes 50 per cent charges for long distance services during summer and holidays.”

Speaking to this newspaper, Additional DCP of Traffic A V Ramana said that around 15 autos were seized for demanding unreasonable charges. The seized vehicles have been sent to Road Transport Authority (RTA) where the Deputy Transport Commissioner would take necessary action. The department is taking all measures to avoid inconvenience to people on roads during agitations. We are monitoring traffic diversion regularly, he added.