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VOICE MAIL

        The State Transport Authority had announced new auto fares which would came into effect from 26 January. As many as 49,000 registered autos were expected to follow the fare structure. On 26, 27 and 28 January, I travelled by autos but not one of the many autos was prepared to follow the new fares.

        A couple of autos which had the meters refused to flag them. The minimum fare demanded was Rs 25. So what happens to the implementation of the fare structure? The traffic police personnel are mute spectators. Expecting the commuters to take down the numbers of the autorickshaws and register their complaints is not practical because autos speed off after refusing and then not everyone carries a pen and paper, and above all the fear that if seen taking down the number they will become victims to violence.

        No government - be it the AIADMK or the DMK succeeded to discipline the autorickshaw drivers. Vote-bank pressure alone can work with the politicians and so commuters must form a Union (not just an Association). 'No auto day' must be observed and strictly adhered to -walk the distance or take the public transport no matter the inconvenience. Since the autos drivers know that the commuters depend on them they take advantage. But if alternatives are found then they will not be able to cash in heavily on this 'dependence.'