Auto drivers fleecing passengers at Jubilee Bus Station

Secunderabad: Autorickshaw drivers in the Cantonment area and Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) are allegedly robbing passengers by collecting more than the fare for a distance of 4-5 km, charging Rs 150-200. About 50,000 passengers arrive at the bus station from various parts of the city every day.

Narrating their woes to The Hans India here on Tuesday, many passengers alleged that some autorickshaw drivers were harassing and arguing with them after travelling some distance with demands for extra fare if they were carrying luggage.

They said they were forced to travel by auto because of heavy luggage to areas like Kushaiguda, Dilsukhnagar, L B Nagar, Old City, Gachibowli, Jubilee Hills, Kulkatpally, Balanagar, Jeedimetla.

They said that the pre-paid auto booths set up by the transport department were lying vacant with no vehicles. The drivers are refusing to park their vehicles at the booths as they have to collect the fixed rates without any scope for bargaining.

Some passengers said if the police force the auto drivers to take passengers they would be willing to operate from the pre-paid booths. They want the TSRTC and the Traffic police to initiate action in this direction soon.