TEAM HERALD
BELGAUM: In a major relief to Goan commuters, auto-rickshaws in Belgaum have been directed to charge fares according to the meter from July 15.
A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting on Friday, when the Belgaum district administration and RTO authorities decided to take actions against the auto-rickshaw drivers who were accused of overcharging commuters visiting Belgaum, especially Goans who normally face difficulties in communication with the drivers.
Acting on several complaints from commuters and citizens, Belgaum Deputy Commissioner N Jayaram, took up the matter seriously during a meeting with office bearers of auto-rickshaw drivers associations and officials.
He asked the auto-rickshaw drivers to fall in line by implementing the metres at the earliest.
Accordingly, the fare for auto-rickshaws has been fixed at Rs 20 for first 2 kms and Rs 9 for every additional kilometre. While directing the RTO authorities to ensure that all the auto-rickshaws use metres, Jayaram has also issued orders to the RTO officials to seize auto-rickshaws plying without valid meters and permits in the city.
“We have been receiving several complaints from commuters and there were attempts earlier to implement fares as per meter. However, the auto owners citing one excuse or the other prolonged the implementation of the metres. But now, we will see that the order will be implemented for the benefit of commuters from Belgaum and other places,” RTO Hemadri told Herald.
