TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Even though there have been numerous complaints from all quarters about the exorbitant and arbitrary rates charged by local auto-rickshaws, and numerous assurance of making metres mandatory by authorities ~the transport department is thinking of preparing a fare chart to try and find a soft solution to the vexed issue.
Director of Transport Arun Dessai admitted that there has been no progress on mandating metres for auto-rickshaws as yet, but said that they were ‘trying’ to fix rates, despite allegations of their bad service and irresponsible behaviour as far as rates are concerned.
“We are trying to put it (proposal) together. But till such time it is not done, we are trying to come up with a fare table to fix point to point charges,” he told media.
Dessai informed that the rates had been submitted last week and “we will compare it with the existing rates and then evaluate it.” According to him, this was an interim decision.
The rates charged by autos have come under fire from both local and tourists alike. And with the road transport system ~except for the shuttles, which are slightly better – being in a state of shambles, locals are left at the mercy of the autos.
who charge whatever they feel like. However, the bigger problem is that these exorbitant rates are charged not only by rickshaws but also taxies with the tourism stakeholders complaining about this to the authorities since this does affect the hospitality industry.
However, till date, besides lots of assurances, nothing has been done on this front.
