Auto rickshaws or autos — the 3-wheeled marvel, is used by a common man in India as a mode of travel. It is my son’s favorite toy model, and he can sacrifice any fancy car model to get his hand on one :). Autos in Bangalore are a menace. The auto drivers are rude, arrogant, cheats, and most often, refuse to go the place you want to go to. Most of the meters are tampered with, and many of them are goons. You would not want to have an argument with them.
Most auto unions are supported/propagated by political outfits and fringe organizations, which have some sinister activities to their credit. No wonder, these auto walas are so supportive of these political rallies. Anyway, they drive as rash as it can get. In India, as far as driving is concerned, it is a madhouse out there on the roads. But, autos are in another league altogether. They stop and start, most often without any brake lights at frightening speeds. They are mostly not fitted with silencers and make the noise of a jet engine on the roads. They veer and weave through the traffic, sometimes climbing on pavements and even medians. And, whether they bang your vehicle or you backend theirs; they will be up in arms with the sole motive of fleecing you. You can expect a horde of auto drivers surrounding you in no time, sometimes bashing you, and almost always, threatening you to cough up some money. They use adulterated fuel (mixed with kerosene), and pollute the environment even more.
They have no driving sense and certainly, no civic sense. Many of them are involved in criminal activities, and women should be really careful to take an auto through secluded areas in Bangalore.
Okay, that was a long rant! In short, autos ought to be banned for social and environmental reasons. Recently, we had auto strikes in Bangalore, as they were demanding fare hikes. Every time, there is any hike in petrol or diesel prices; they are vociferous in demanding unreasonable hikes.
Why the hell should they not be banned? They are such a nuisance, and they hardly ever provide a service. As a means of transport, a BMTC bus is so much better, safer and cheaper. And, there are AC volvos too for a comfortable travel at a low cost.
The Transport Department should seriously think of ways of curbing their menace. I know they float numbers for registering complaints, but try calling up one to see the actual service. I regularly took autos during my college days in Mumbai, and never faced this problem. But, Bangalore autos are really the worst!
Oh oh Does that mean I should not sit on one on this trip to INdia:(
the autos in chennai are not much different. but comparitively i feel safer.
in mumbai i remember getting back 25 paise from a taxi driver and the autos were very honest, when i used to be there. cant imagine it being changed now.
i know senior citizens for whom bus is not convenient to climb. and who will not be able to walk from bus stop. if we ban autos what will they do?
instead of banning them, if only some channel would constantly do a show on them and hightlight the corrupt, the pressure will be there on the politicians to curb them.
the main prob with autos, in chennai they are owned by politicians or police..
i have been to calicut, kerala twice. you wouldnt believe it..the autos r very honest… would nt charge even a single paisa more even to a foreigner
In tvm it’s different …if they suspect you are not familiar with the place or if u r an IT engineer…they go for the kill
But plz note….the maintenance of the 3 wheeler is very high . besides they ll have to pay a daily rental to the owner….
@Bhagyashree I don’t know; I guess, the level of service differs from one city to another. So, give it a try and see.
@wise donkey You are right about autos being a mode of transport for the elderly. About curbing the menace, I think there is a lack of will. Else, the newspapers are filled with stories of meter tampering, harassment of commuters etc. Yet, the RTO always says that things are fine. Definitely, this political nexus keeps them immune and helps them thrive.
@Jon Good to hear that the autowalas are honest in some places. My only crib is that they get regular fare hikes, yet they resort to cheating and rude behavior, and don’t even spare the ladies and the senior citizens.
there are hardly any cities where you will find honest auto wallahs but exceptions always occur once in a while. Well, banning is only a solution if you have some other alternative that can take you to narrower streets that are found in abundance in india and something convenient for the differently-abled and senior citizens.
RAch!!!!!!!!
Same is true for hyderabad as well
What the auto wala always need to havebut need not necessarily have to..
1.Driving license/Vehicle papers
2.Any minor knowledge of driving or on-road courtesy
3.The idea of how valuable human life is. sentimental ain’t it?
I have taken a pledge
“Never drive near an Auto without confirming that your insurance renewal.”
And I follow it on daily basis but still get dents on my car!
@jaanvi Maybe, banning is not a solution, but continuing with the status quo is not a solution either. Definitely, something needs to be done to rectify this.
@Bhupesh I know, I have seen Hyderabad autos too. They really are pests.
Who will ban them?Do you believe that the local MLA and police are not in connivance with those we are complaining about.
If we want situation to change, don’t wait for any authority to ban them—you do it, the commuters must do it and then see the change.
Try it
@BKChowla Yes, I have done that. I do not use autos as far as possible.
Call me crazy but I love them… not sure why 😀
Hi Rachna, wow! That bad, huh? I guess it all boils down to politicians receiving ‘presents’….cops too.
Always start from the top down.
What the country needs are ‘Untouchables’….I mean politicians, Police Chief, and do a clean up.
New York one time was one frightening city where crime was concerned.
In comes a Mayor behaving like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, and in 5 years, NY today is a place to visit and not being worried of being mugged at every corner.
India is a beautiful country, the cities too and yes, I have friends who have been there, and heard their horror stories.
And here anyone in the business line will decline going to India on a transfer…..they frightened of the traffic and what you mentioned.
Pity as India is an exotic country. Best regards, Lee.
@Agnes Oh yes, they are wonderful, if only the guys driving them are good too.
@Uncle Lee Don’t worry too much. There are problems, but they are not too bad.
well, i think this is everywhere…..in India i mean….may it be Delhi or Mumbai…auto people aren’t people……they are dacoits but instead of a gun they have meters….faulty one though……
I have left travelling in Auto’s especially after the prices were raised…… i love travelling in BMTC buses….they have the best bus service…..at least on the route i use…….
@Hitesh thanks for visiting my blog. Yes, they do seem like dacoits, and their arm flexing tactics are way too much.
In Bangalore, we have some pretty good Volvo services, especially to the train station and the airport.