Meter-less Travel: Are Delhi’s Transport Laws Now Just on Paper?
Raising concerns over the growing irregularities in the functioning of auto rickshaws in the national capital, Rashtra Times Editor Vijay Shankar Chaturvedi has written a formal letter to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, urging her to take strict and immediate action against drivers who refuse to use fare meters and overcharge passengers.
In his letter, Chaturvedi labeled the issue as a matter of “serious public inconvenience”, stating that nearly 90% of auto rickshaw drivers blatantly disregard the legal requirement to use fare meters. This not only causes financial exploitation of commuters but also leads to verbal abuse or mistreatment when passengers demand metered fares.
Chaturvedi wrote:
“This situation not only tarnishes the image of Delhi as the nation’s capital but also raises fundamental questions about the effectiveness of our transport governance. It disrupts daily commuting and imposes unnecessary burdens on ordinary citizens.”
Key Demands Raised:
- A city-wide inspection drive to penalize auto rickshaws operating without functional meters
- Strict legal action against repeat offenders
- Empowerment of Delhi’s Transport Department to monitor and enforce metering systems more effectively
- Introduction of digital receipts, app-based complaint mechanisms, and a commuter helpline service
Chaturvedi urged the Chief Minister to instruct the Transport Department to enforce these reforms stringently and implement a system that ensures all auto rickshaws follow fare meter norms transparently.
Vijay Shankar Chaturvedi warned:
“If swift action is not taken by the authorities, this issue could soon escalate into mass citizen movements and public interest litigations.”
He concluded by expressing hope that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta would treat the grievance with the seriousness it deserves and act swiftly to restore order and fairness in Delhi’s public transport system.
Leave a Reply