Valmiki Nagar auto drivers claim they follow new rates

By Vrinda Manocha


The State Transport Authority revised the rates for autorickshaw transport on January 26 and announced a deadline for the recalibration of mechanical meters to the revised rates. That deadline fell on April 25.

Drivers at the autorickshaw stand at the intersection of Balakrishnan Road and Fourth Seaward Road in Valmiki Nagar say they now follow the new rates. There are about 25 autos here. Of these, 10 autos have mechanical meters while the remaining 15 have electronic meters. Says Dorai, an auto driver, " All of us (auto drivers) follow the new rates. The price for the first two kilometers is Rs. 14 and Rs. 6 for every additional kilometer."

The State Transport Authority has also set another deadline for July 25 by which all mechanical meters should be converted to electronic meters. Gopal, another auto driver says, "The standard electronic meters cost about Rs. 3000. The Government will supply these to us."

If the drivers follow the new system then Valmiki Nagar residents can look forward to a service that does not start with haggling and arguments.