Auto drivers must fall in line

Auto drivers must fall in line


Sriram V
First Published : 07 Nov 2008 09:06:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 07 Nov 2008 10:54:21 AM IST

BANGALORE: Autorickshaws seem to be an indispensable mode of transport in the city due to absence of an intra-city rail network as also the existence of narrow roads and one-ways. The variety and expanse of the fleet of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s buses have not been successful in freeing the city of autos.

Though the city traffic police created dedicated auto lanes on some busy roads like Kasturba Road and the road between M G statue and Minsk Square, not many autorickshaws follow lane discipline.

Most Bangaloreans consider autos a necessary evil that cause traffic problems.

“The only thing I’m scared of on Bangalore’s roads are autos. The autowallahs drive like crazy, overspeed and overtake from wherever possible, sometimes even driving on pavements.

Autorickshaw drivers do not follow lane discipline or any other traffic rules and sometimes do not even bother about the presence of a traffic policeman,” said Vivek M N, an employee of a private bank.

“More people should take BMTC buses.

Among other benefits, they reduce the nuisance created by autorickshaws on the roads,” said K Revathi, a school teacher.

“I hope metro rail, supported by feeder bus services, will help Bangalore get rid of the several problems created by autorickshaws,” said Pranav, a software engineer.

The traffic police do not keep separate records of violation of traffic rules by autorickshaw drivers. However, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic (East), K Srinivas, said that autos not confining to dedicated lanes, overtaking from the wrong side, negligent driving and jumping traffic signals cause major traffic problems.

Most of the complaints received by the police against autos are related to refusal to go to destinations desired by the commuters and demanding excess fares.

The public must inform the police control room or send the officers e-mails on traffic rule violations by autorickshaws, suggested Srinivas.

Pubic transport vs autorickshaws Many passengers prefer BMTC buses, as auto fare can be 10 times higher than bus fare for long distances, says Ejaz Pasha, an auto driver from JP Nagar. Some autorickshaw drivers consider metro rail as yet another competition, but not an immediate threat as its operations are scheduled to start only after two years.

Another auto-driver, K N Mahesha, however argued that metro rail, even after it comes, would not have access to every part of the city. “Most of the uncovered areas will still need autos to reach. Moreover, not many people will opt for metro if it cannot provide pointto- point (origin to destination) service,” he adds.

“Things will change in terms of transport in the city some time in the distant future. But Bangalore will still need autorickshaws due to the large expanse of the city, narrow roads and one-ways,” said auto-driver Nagaraju from Banashankari III Stage.