Autocrats all: Who’ll tame Bengaluru auto drivers

 

In fact, the recent survey conducted by a few concerned citizens in the city’s ‘dark spots’ observed that auto harassment cases are highest near Mantri Mall. 

Sanchita Das, a content writer who works in Malleswaram has noticed, “Time and again there have been cases of verbal and physical assaults on commuters. I too have faced verbal abuse while commuting from Mantri Mall to Koramangala in two instances.” 

 

On June 30, over 700 members of the BTP dressed in plainclothes launched an operation to track down auto drivers who were violating various norms. After a 15-hour long sting operation, around 3,350 auto drivers were fined, and 450 autos were seized. This drive had gone very well among the commuters. 

 

Under Rule 13 (U) and Rule 16 of the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Act, section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, there are a number of rules that auto drivers need to follow which are being violated blatantly.

 

The act clearly states that the driver shall not demand or extract any fare or freight in excess of that which he is legally entitled to and he shall proceed to the destination named by the passenger by the shortest and quickest route. It also says that the driver shall not drive the vehicle or allow it to be engaged for hire, unless he is satisfied that the fare-metre is in good working order. The fine for violation of the rules is Rs 100 for the first offence and Rs 300 for the second and any subsequent offences.