Chennaites have ,for long been ruled by autocrats.They are akin to other autocrats in the world.They are tyrants , dictators and despots all put together in an inimitable combination.The only difference , the autocrats I am referring to here fleece the commuters of the city.
For the uninitiated let me explain the basics .Meter system is absolutely obsolete in Chennai Auto rickshaws.So , cost of travel is an arbitrary amount which solely depends on the commuters haggling prowess .More often than not , the costs are exorbitant. Travelling a distance of 6 kms back and forth costs me 120 rupees , while travelling a distance of 350 km in train costs 180 rupees.Any attempt at trying to logically reason out or allude to how cheap it is to commute in autos in other city's is followed by a nasty retort wondering why we opened our mouths in the first place.
My car driver looking at the bright prospects of earning close to 30,000 rupees a month quits his 5000 rupees job and is a auto driver today.He says he earns close to 1000 bucks everyday easily .The cost of petrol though is only to the tune of 200 rupees.So 800 *30 =24,000Rs. He pays an EMI for the auto which is close to 4000 rs.So net take home salary is 20,000 Rs.Bravo!!!!. He earns more than fresh S/W engg who has done 4 years of engg.
My only question is , if auto drivers earn so much then why do they lead such despicable lives? Maybe they are prey to vices , or maybe they are under the clutches of gangsters.Beats me.
The State Government has recently released a regulatory mechanism to streamline the pricing.These rules have to be strictly adhered to from July .I broached this topic to an auto driver yesterday.He said"Amma , so what we will rig the meters".I was dumbfounded.
I am still hoping that the government monitors the strict adherence of the new mechanism and humbles these autocrats.
11 comments:
Even the social-reformer-in-the-form-of -comedian Vivek cannot save Chennai. As he says , our guys turn on the left indicator, pull out theri right hand and go straight emathifying even the police.The guys capable of such acts can peacefully rig the meters. That would be as peaceful as India-Bermuda match and the govts efforst to enforce the rules would be as tough as Ind-Bangladesh match :P
Its not right to compare trains and autos, trains transport lot of people unlike autos.
And probably you can also shift to autos, very profitable. :P
Don't think decades of atrocities can be changed on one day, but it is a step in the right direction.
@Rajeev
that was a witty comment :)the state goverment is going to struggle for sure..i just hope they are not ousted in their attempts like the way Indians were :p.btw which movie does Vivek refer to Autos?
@K7
Iam looking at figures higher than mentioned ;)
Yeah the step is in the right direction , but whats the use of mere laws without enforcement?
I think Majnu. "Taxi ji, Dil Chahta hai"; "Main nahin sister ji.. woh dadi wala gadi wala hai na"- Do these strike a chord?
@Rajeev
Havent seen Majnu da :(.Next time its on Tc will try watching it :)
2 wheeler is the best option for Chennai!
I prefer Call-Taxis sometimes, at least they have a fixed & clear rate though it is supposed to be higher than Autos!
Once, I traveled by Call Taxi & my friend my Auto & he payed more than me for the same distance!
Agree with Naren.These days call taxis are becoming more affordable than autos at Chennai and a lot more comfortable too.
"Amma , so what we will rig the meters"
Wasnt that the case evn a few years back:P
And cant straightnen a dog's tail.Autowallas wont change. May be I should consider driving an auto;)
@fairy
why should you drive autos !! :o never..kiddu u going to rock corporate world ..wait and watch:)
@N
Tell you what , call taxi rates are fixed , but the fact that autos can be affordable , but they are taking us for a ride is irritating me!
I would totally agree with Rajeev...and Mithi...start this off as your side profession :P Rigging was the expected answer!
@dOLL
ORU PROFESION AEY INGA ON THE ROCKS ..!!what side profession :p
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