Autorickshaws are a vital cog in the city's transportation wheel
Representational Picture
While the autorickshaw union may have their own set of demands, one hopes their talks with the government are positive. It is also time to acknowledge that autos too do not always play fair. They do not go by meter and share-an-auto facilities charge at will on crowded routes. This is the most common complaint. When commuters dare to raise a voice they are threatened or are simply told to leave and find another auto, which is certainly not easy given that these autorickshaw drivers operate in groups.
While asking for fare hikes and justice for autos is all very well, it is also time the auto union holds a mirror up to itself and sees that there is quite a lot of rot within. From flatly refusing to ply at certain points as harried and desperate commuters struggle, to charging at will, this is a chronic problem that needs to be nipped in the bud.
The autos need passengers, as much as the passengers need them. Looking at these aspects of the transport facility will ensure a win-win situation between Mumbaikars and their little three-wheeled kaali-peelis.
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