STA Cracks Down on Autorickshaws Without Fare Meters, Exorbitant Fares

Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 22: State Transport Authority has been receiving complaints from general public regarding plying of Autorickshaw without putting/switching on the fare meters and charging exorbitant fares by the drivers. Section 74 (2)(viii) & Section 96(xx) of the MV Act 1988 mandates that in case of Autorickshaw/Taxi, a fare meter shall be fitted and maintained in proper working order. This has been informed to the general public as well as Autorickshaw owners/drivers through releases in local media on many previous occasions. The Autorickshaw Permit holders have been informed once again to refrain from such practices as repeated violations will warrant actions for cancellation of Permits. Enforcement drives will be carried out to ensure the strict compliance of the permit conditions.
STA with the approval of Hon’ble Lt. Governor vide Notification dated 11-01-2023 has revised the Autorickshaw fares applicable for A&N Islands and the Auto-rickshaw permit holder /drivers were asked to get their fare meter calibrated and stamped as per the notified Fares from Legal Metrology, Directorate of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and also the Autorickshaw owners were asked to display the fare chart issued by STA in their Autorickshaw.
Fare should be charged strictly as per the Fare Meter. Exorbitant or Overcharging of Auto fares, refusal to ply autorickshaw as per the request of passengers and misbehavior with passengers shall be viewed seriously. Enforcement drives would be conducted and actions would be initiated against those Autorickshaw owners found not exhibiting the fare chart or driving with defective/faulty & not calibrated & unstamped Faremeters.
General public have also been advised to send their complaints regarding refusal to ply Autorickshaw, refusal to put on the fare meter before commencement of the trip and excessive charging etc. to the Secretary (STA), Directorate of Transport, Sri Vijaya Puram mentioning the registration number of Autorickshaw with details of complaint or register their complaints in helpline No.03192-240059/240062/230259, Traffic Section 243812.