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Three-wheeled trouble
THE CHENNAI auto, a characteristic fixture on the city roads is known for weaving its way through the traffic with amazing ease, its ability to materialise out of nowhere, and cock a snook at fellow road users. But closer examination shows a somewhat maligned tribe fighting for a place in the face of competition. If sheer numbers are of consequence, it is estimated that around 38,000 autos are licensed to ply on city roads as on December 1, 2001, according to the Joint Transport Commissioner's office.
So, are things really hunky dory? Pose the question to any auto driver and you stir up a hornet's nest. Sore about many things — their own numbers have increased and many are languishing for business as autos with permits beyond city limits are operating freely in the city. Besides, share autos and call taxis are also eating into their business.
Listing out a litany of complaints, Selvam, an auto driver says, "While the minimum fare has not been hiked for years, the petrol prices have increased by several times. But the Government has not taken any action. We just earn Rs.50 to Rs.100 everyday."
Another problem is the numerous ``No parking zones'' that force the automen to wait in quiet bylanes, where the chances of finding a passenger are few. ``The public complain that we refuse to go to Central station. The problem is we can't park there to find a passenger for the return trip, which makes it unviable. The police men hound us out," says Selvam.
However, N. Sethuraman, an executive in an ad agency, who travels by auto regularly, gives the other side of the story. "The auto drivers determine the fare themselves and seldom go by the meter. I invariably end up arguing over the charges everyday. And they are aided in their devious methods by the faulty meters. Moreover, there's an unwritten rule by which passengers pay a minimum of Rs. 10 for short trips or round sums for longer trips. Besides, many autos run on diesel but the charges are the same as for the ones that run on petrol."
As for rash and reckless driving, Gnanam defending his fellow auto drivers says, "Sometimes the passengers are in a hurry and force us to drive fast."
Many auto drivers feel that they deserve to be treated better by the police. "If we stop to allow the passenger to get in and get off or go to the nearby shop to get change, the police make us pay a fine, damage the horn or remove the seat of the vehicle," says Gnanam.
Interestingly, even people who have their own transport settle for the autos as a matter of convenience. According to Saraswathi Ramdas, a housewife, "It is better to travel by an auto to busy areas like Parry's or T.Nagar where parking is a big problem."
There is a philanthropic and human side to the Chennai auto drivers. "On few occasion, I have taken accident victims free of cost and got them admitted in a hospital," says Balakrishnan. ``Last week about four handicapped persons got into my vehicle. I dropped them at their destination and declined to take the fare." Sheela Shanker, who uses a car, says whenever she loses her way she turns to the autowallahs for direction.
Good Samaritans among them have returned valuables left behind in their vehicles to the rightful owners. While the likes of `Auto' Shankar do exist, there is the other extreme where the auto drivers themselves are taken for a ride with gangs getting in and at knife point or gun point and using them for anti-social activities.
In addition to all their other problems the deteriorating condition of the city roads has taken its toll on the autos as well. Maintenance costs are mounting by the day. Constant shifting of the gears, keeping the clutch pressed most of the time and frequent halting at the signals also jack up petrol consumption, they complain. But whatever be the case, for or against the Chennai auto, as long as there is a need for this mode of transport, like them or not, it is here to stay.
SUDHA UMASHANKER
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