Fool-proof meters mooted

Fool-proof meters mooted
Sayed Shafi Ahmed, RTA Secretary, had a discussion with C S Hemanth of Deccan Herald.


Here are the excerpts from the discussion.

Deccan Herald: The revision in the minimum fare has been opposed by the autorickshaw unions. Were they not consulted by the RTA ?

Shafi Ahmed: The Fare Revision Committee constituted by the RTA considered the views of all. The unions had proposed their views and a decision was taken in the best interest of both public and auto drivers. The hike in fares from Rs 14 (minimum) and Rs 7 per km was considered as the best option.

DH: Some of the unions have asked for fixing the minimum fare at Rs 15 citing difficulty in tendering exact change ?

Shafi Ahmed: Such issues do arise. But it is impossible to fix the minimum fare at Rs 15 as there can be only a uniform jump and we can’t effect a jump by Re 1.

DH: What was the response from the public on the proposed hike ?

Shafi Ahmed: Public were asked to send in their views on the proposed hike. Fare Revision Committee headed by DCP Traffic (East) received a good response. Many felt a minimum fare hike is acceptable.

DH: Any other suggestions that were received from public ?

Shafi Ahmed: Many felt there was large-scale tampering of autorickshaw meters. They wanted a tamper-proof metering system and we have considered this demand and suggested the need to go in for digital meters.