Mangaluru: Ignoring Dakshina Kannada Regional Transport Authority’s order to reduce fares from Monday, auto rickshaw operators in the district have continued to demand Rs 25 from commuters as minimum fare.
The Dakshina Kannada Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on Friday decided to revert to the December 2012 fare structure for auto rickshaws in the district following a substantial reduction in petrol and LPG prices. It had become the first RTA in the State to reduce auto rickshaw fares after the fuel prices went down.
RTA Chairman and Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim had said the fares had been reduced to a minimum of Rs. 20 and Rs. 13 per km thereafter, from Rs. 25 and Rs. 14 respectively. These fares were effective from Monday.
Mr. Ibrahim said had directed the owners/drivers to get the meters recalibrated within 60 days from January 12. Meantime, they were told to adopt the RTA-approved rate chart in their vehicle during the interim period. However, the commuters have complained that most drivers do not follow these orders.
On Tuesday, Maria Soans, a resident of Balmatta who used a rickshaw to travel from Hampankatta to reach her home said that the driver demanded Rs. 25 as the minimum fare. “When I told him about the revised fares, he asked me to catch another rickshaw half the way”, Ms. Soans told newskarnataka.com
Even Jyothi Cutinha had similar experience on Tuesday. When she revolted, the driver refused to budge. He told her the orders are not implemented by any rickshaw driver.
Ivan D’Souza, president, Mangaluru City Auto rickshaw drivers’ association said that the drivers have to implement the revised fees, as it is the orders of the RTA. We were reluctant to reduce to Rs 20 as the living cost has gone up. Since the orders are passed, we have to abide by it”, he said.
G. Hanumantha Kamath, president, Nagarika Hitarakshana Samithi, said that those drivers who do not follow the orders will face action by the RTA. They may be fined Rs 300 or face revocation of license, if the commuter complains to the RTA along with its registration number.
A.B Ibrahim said that there will be hiccups initially. The drivers have agreed to implement the revised fares.
