Auto demands put commuters in lurch

Auto demands put commuters in lurch
BY AKANKSHA MEHROTRA
BENGALURU


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The serial blasts on Friday badly affected the commuting public.

As many of the offices declared a half day holiday, panic stricken employees rushed to get back home safely.

But they had a difficult time finding transport as most of the city autos were off the roads and private cabs refused to ply.

Several auto divers were afraid to take passengers and many of the auto stands were deserted. “I had to take my son for some treatment to NIMHANS, however, the city auto drivers refused to take me after the blast took place near Mallya Hospital. I had to struggle my way through public buses to reach the hospital.

Friday was a complete disaster,” said a resident of Jayanagar, Sonali Chandra.

Others took advantage of the situation and demanded excess fares from com muters.

“The blasts had an adverse effect on the public transport as well. We left the office post lunch, after the blast took place. However, finding an auto was not easy. The few autos that were plying asked for double or triple the usual fare,” said a software professional, Shweeta Sinha.

It was hard to find autos to Mysore Road, Koramangala, Brigade road and adjoining areas; as well as other blast affected areas.

The auto drivers refused to take commuters to market places, malls and hospitals. Students too had a difficult time getting home.

“I was commute to Mysore road, where two blasts took place. My house is at Mysore road and with much difficulties, I managed to get an auto from Kormangala. I had to pay double the fare,” said an IT company employee, Dinesh Menon.

Not only had the employees of several companies but also the college going crowd had to face problems in reaching their homes.

However, by the evening, the situation was partially restored and many of city autos were on the roads, though there was no cut on the excess fare demanded by the auto drivers.

By the evening, the situation was partially restored and many of the city autos were back on the roads, although there was no cut on the excess fare demanded by the drivers.