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Autos not happy
_5314.jpg "Autos not happy")
Even as the entire city is reeling under the euphoria of Metro rail’s first ride for the public, a section of the populace is unhappy
Hyderabad: Even as the entire city is reeling under the euphoria of Metro rail’s first ride for the public, a section of the populace is unhappy with the inauguration of the trains – these are the auto drivers. Having conducted their business in the shadow of cabs for the past two years, albeit with constant complains, the drivers are now fearful of losing even more clientele.
Drivers rue that their meagre earnings of Rs 300-Rs 500 a day will decrease with commuters opting for the Metro especially for long distances. “We’ll only be left to conduct business for short duration like maybe two to three kilometres,” opined a driver K Ramu.
Meanwhile, the long-pending permission for parking space near Metro stations for autos is still not met. Auto and Motors Welfare Association General Secretary M Dayanand said, “We had asked the Metro officials to provide parking space for autos six months ago. We are awaiting it even today. When an auto driver drops a passenger at the station they need to have enough space for parking.”
Telangana Auto Drivers’ Samakhya president A Sathi Reddy added, “If auto drivers are not given adequate space for parking they will be forced to pay challans to the Traffic Police for violating rules. As it is, these drivers took the shorter end of the stick when cabs began plying in the city and their earnings took a major hit. With increased challans, their financial condition would further weaken.”
“Earlier, we had a meeting with the drivers wherein they were asked not charge extra amount from passengers and that they should take the minimum fare. If they are given permission for parking it will be comfortable for everyone,” he added in support.
Drivers are also worried about increasing fuel and gas prices. E Veera Reddy, a driver mentioned, “Because of heavy traffic in peak hours and the gas expenditure we will not travel long distances like say from Uppal to Begumpet. Moreover, people bargain too much. For short distance, many people prefer autos to reach their destination as metro rail cannot go into lanes as auto does.”
According to Dayanand there were 1.50 lakh autos in 2016 and through welfare association additional 30,000 vehicles were added later.
