AUTOS WITHOUT E- METRES TO BE PENALISED: RTO

PANVEL: Around 95 per cent autorickshaws in Panvel have installed electronic fare meters claims Panvel deputy regional transport officer ( RTO) Nandkishor Naik. However, action will soon be initiated against errant auto drivers who have failed to install e-metres within the stipulated time frame.

A government resolution had been issued on February 17, 2012, making electronic digital fare meters compulsory for autorickshaws from March 1, 2012.

Naik was speaking at a meeting organised by the senior citizens wing of Janjagruti Grahak Manch, which had submitted around 100 complaints against errant auto drivers at Panvel’s RTO office.

The minimum auto fare for the first 1.5 kms is Rs19 while an air- conditioned Toyota Innova car charges Rs12 to Rs14 per km. “The minimum fare in Panvel is already higher than that charged at other places. Auto drivers should not be asking for more,” said Naik.

Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Transport Authority has approved the revised rate for share autos plying between Sion and Khopoli, Naik said. Auto drivers are not allowed to charge passengers the return fare before midnight.

Naik has asked commuters to dial 9821917967 if an auto driver refuses to take commuters to their destination or charged them extra. Naik also said that a camp will soon be held where senior citizens would get auto driving permits and vehicle owners can renew their registrations.