Bengaluru: The ongoing wet spell, fewer number of cabs available for booking and now vanishing pre-paid auto booking counters. Imagine the plight of the hapless city residents, who flock to the famous weekend destinations of the city - Mantri Mall on Sampige road, Malleswaram and Brigade road. Pre-paid auto booking counters have been removed at these places and now they are being fleeced by auto drivers.
Hapless passengers complain that auto drivers demand minimum Rs 200 even for a distance of four kilometres, citing reasons like one-way and other issues. Those who visit Malleswaram are hardest hit by the removal of the pre-paid auto stand. “The pre- paid auto stand was started after a lot of pressure from the local residents and those who visit the mall. But within a couple of months, it was removed,” complained Shashi Kumari, a local resident.
The residents also complained the pre-paid auto stand was not functioning properly as traffic police did not ensure that auto drivers picked up passengers only at the stand.
Following the removal of the pre-paid auto stand, now auto drivers are using the excuse of traffic congestion and rain to fleece passengers. "For the last 15 days, the evening rain has become a common occurrence. Auto drivers are demanding hefty amounts even for 2-3 kilometres," said Rajshri Hegde, a regular visitor to the mall. "Auto drivers are now aware of the fact that cabs are not available to book through apps. So they are exploiting the situation," she added.
