Bangaloreans - Meter jam on 12th August

n.devdath · 10th August 2010, 10:50

The new rates of INR 9.00/km is nothing but daylight robbery. That contraption hardly costs INR 3.00/km to run and maintain.

No wonder 80% of auto drivers look like well fed goons on the streets.

I m all for it.

clevermax · 10th August 2010, 10:55

I wonder how much impact this can make in an auto driver's daily income. Almost nil!!

cnaganathan · 10th August 2010, 11:37

I visited Bangy after 8 months last week and I was horrified how the Auto driver community has changed for the worse. Here are my experiences from the 3 day stay

1. Arrived at Silkboard at 6.30 AM and hailed an auto to go to ITPL road past Cosmos Mall. First bidder - Rs 600. Final Bid - Rs 250. Came to later from my brother that the meter fare would be in the region of 150 -170.

2. Koramangala to ITPL Road at 8.30 PM the same day - Driver agrees to the meter. Analog meter shows 131 after a reset at 99.50. Driver pulls out a signed chart and translates that to 170

3. Next morning - ITPL Road to Koramangala. Driver says Meter not functioning and demands a Flat rate of 170. As I was running late for my meeting, I had to give in.

4. Third day morning - found an Auto with Digital meter. Driver wants Meter + 2Rs per KM (for new fare). Since it sounded reasonable I agreed to it but on reaching my office in Koramangala, he wanted 20 Rs over the Meter

Overall, I noticed that they are a greedier lot now like their Chennai cousins and are no longer the trustworthy lot that they were. Next time I am in Bangalore, I will only use the call taxis even if they are expensive. Or better use the buses which seem to be frequent.

If I happen to be in Bangy on 12th Aug, I will surely boycott the Autos.

Newpunter · 10th August 2010, 14:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnaganathan

Overall, I noticed that they are a greedier lot now like their Chennai cousins and are no longer the trustworthy lot that they were. Next time I am in Bangalore, I will only use the call taxis even if they are expensive. Or better use the buses which seem to be frequent.

If I happen to be in Bangy on 12th Aug, I will surely boycott the Autos.

The best thing to do would be to take a cab. I have stopped using autos even if it means i have to walk a long distance to catch a bus. Most of the Auto guys in Bangalore are thugs and I don't want to support them.

aargee · 10th August 2010, 15:31

Really a good move & Chennai should also soon adopt this strategy. IMO, these guys cannot be making over Rs 1000 a day, even if they make, most of the part should go to greasing the babus, otherwise, they can't survive for long. If these guys make atleast 20K a month, I'm sure they would be owning new auto rickshaw every year isn't it?

thedreamcatcher · 10th August 2010, 16:12

I also would love to be a part of this. Because of the crazy traffic on BLR, I avoid taking my car on certain days and take an auto. But knowing these guys fleese us so much is outrageous

Not only did they get a hike in meter rates, these damn guys still have fixed meters. Talk of being greedy

Newpunter · 10th August 2010, 16:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedreamcatcher

Not only did they get a hike in meter rates, these damn guys still have fixed meters. Talk of being greedy

Adding to that, you would be lucky to find an auto driver who switches on the meter. Most of the guys ask for a flat rate always. If I am the only one travelling, I always refuse to give him a flat rate and tell him to switch on the meter. I would rather walk to my destination than pay these thugs extra money. However, when travelling with friends, they don't care and agree to pay extra inspite of my pleas not to do so

.

narayanang76 · 10th August 2010, 19:29

Bangaloreans, Let us follow this really.

As righly said we should have this frequently. About the impact, talking to some auto drivers it is already evident after the increase in rates their business has come down drastically and less people taking to autos now days.

It has also an effect of more Volvos, Marcopolos - good quality buses with more frequent services and connectivity through the mass transport means.

I am sure this METER JAM would make some impact.

We should do car pool / pick someone on the road to make it more effective on August 12.

And as most others, I am religiously on METER JAM ever since I am in Bangalore and I understand the situation we are in. (examle bangalore autowalas ask us to pay for a 10 km ride more than our travel cost - bus/train of 400 kms to give a slight perspective)

LET US GO - METER JAM!

prince_pervez · 10th August 2010, 19:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by rageshbhaskar

good Auto drivers make around 1000-1300 per day after expense, know a few

Wow they must be doing 14-16 hours atleast for this. Degree Aspirants are you listening ?

aargee · 10th August 2010, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnaganathan

I noticed that they are a greedier lot now like their Chennai cousins

Why not? In 2002, I used to travel back & forth from BLR to Chennai every weekend. On Monday mornings, I get down at Majestic & take an auto rickshaw to Shanthinagar. They would be very eager as the fares are double before 6:00 AM, still I used to pay somewhere around Rs 70. No bargain, meter shows some Rs 35 or so.

This kept going & occasionally few drivers demand more money saying you'll pay in Chennai why not here? I used to be nervous & afraid arguing with them & gave in what they asked for. Now I realize my mistake as I should've stood up.

Anyway, point being that, its the fault of Chennai that has spread like cancer to BLR. Trust me Coimbatore is even horrible. The best is KL among the four states as of now.

amitoj · 11th August 2010, 12:01

Most auto drivers are of the opinion that if the passenger can afford to pay more, then they have all the right to demand more money!! This is the most ridiculous line of thought.

I really hope this Meter Jam effort goes some way in teaching these daylight robbers some much needed lessons.

mjothi · 11th August 2010, 12:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by amitoj

I really hope this Meter Jam effort goes some way in teaching these daylight robbers some much needed lessons.

Seems there is hope. Today saw in Bangalore Mirror about some meeting of 8 Auto union drivers. They are also taking this serious and "educating" other auto drivers not to deny anyone.

Lets see.But, its a good start.

benbsb29 · 11th August 2010, 12:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by amitoj

I really hope this Meter Jam effort goes some way in teaching these daylight robbers some much needed lessons.

Like the 'Bus Day' initiative, this should be undertaken on a more regular basis for it to have any telling effect on their income.

As for me, i walk as much as i can to a bus stop, rather than take a rick to get there. I totally hate 'em.

srishiva · 11th August 2010, 12:47

I am not really sure how many people can take part in this. Only people who have alternate arrangements can do this which I dont think would be a big number.

We are discussing this on an auto forum where everyone has there own travel arrangements.

If bus days dont affect the autowallah, how can this have any impact? Also, how can someone wanting to go somewhere and is dependent on auto take part in this?

nirmaljusdoit · 11th August 2010, 12:58

This whole idea sounds good - but can it really pass on the message to the Auto driver community ?

I feel something more concrete needs to be done to remedy the situation.
Meter jam for one day is not going to make any big difference to them.

Since the auto drivers have many unions, i feel a better way is to work along with them (the unions) to bring about some much needed changes.

10th August 2010, 10:50	#16
n.devdath BANNED Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 4,287 Thanked: 2,811 Times	The new rates of INR 9.00/km is nothing but daylight robbery. That contraption hardly costs INR 3.00/km to run and maintain. No wonder 80% of auto drivers look like well fed goons on the streets. I m all for it.
	() Thanks

10th August 2010, 10:55	#17
clevermax Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tvm/Amsterdam Posts: 2,086 Thanked: 2,640 Times View My Garage	I wonder how much impact this can make in an auto driver's daily income. Almost nil!!
	() Thanks

10th August 2010, 11:37	#18
cnaganathan BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 281 Thanked: 48 Times View My Garage	My recent experience with Bangy Auto I visited Bangy after 8 months last week and I was horrified how the Auto driver community has changed for the worse. Here are my experiences from the 3 day stay 1. Arrived at Silkboard at 6.30 AM and hailed an auto to go to ITPL road past Cosmos Mall. First bidder - Rs 600. Final Bid - Rs 250. Came to later from my brother that the meter fare would be in the region of 150 -170. 2. Koramangala to ITPL Road at 8.30 PM the same day - Driver agrees to the meter. Analog meter shows 131 after a reset at 99.50. Driver pulls out a signed chart and translates that to 170 3. Next morning - ITPL Road to Koramangala. Driver says Meter not functioning and demands a Flat rate of 170. As I was running late for my meeting, I had to give in. 4. Third day morning - found an Auto with Digital meter. Driver wants Meter + 2Rs per KM (for new fare). Since it sounded reasonable I agreed to it but on reaching my office in Koramangala, he wanted 20 Rs over the Meter Overall, I noticed that they are a greedier lot now like their Chennai cousins and are no longer the trustworthy lot that they were. Next time I am in Bangalore, I will only use the call taxis even if they are expensive. Or better use the buses which seem to be frequent. If I happen to be in Bangy on 12th Aug, I will surely boycott the Autos.
	() Thanks

10th August 2010, 15:31	#20
aargee Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: TSTN Posts: 6,236 Thanked: 9,641 Times	Really a good move & Chennai should also soon adopt this strategy. IMO, these guys cannot be making over Rs 1000 a day, even if they make, most of the part should go to greasing the babus, otherwise, they can't survive for long. If these guys make atleast 20K a month, I'm sure they would be owning new auto rickshaw every year isn't it?
	() Thanks

10th August 2010, 16:12	#21
thedreamcatcher Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dubai Posts: 1,204 Thanked: 66 Times View My Garage	I also would love to be a part of this. Because of the crazy traffic on BLR, I avoid taking my car on certain days and take an auto. But knowing these guys fleese us so much is outrageous Not only did they get a hike in meter rates, these damn guys still have fixed meters. Talk of being greedy
	() Thanks

10th August 2010, 19:29	#23
narayanang76 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: KA 53/KL 9 Posts: 451 Thanked: 836 Times View My Garage	Bangaloreans, Let us follow this really. As righly said we should have this frequently. About the impact, talking to some auto drivers it is already evident after the increase in rates their business has come down drastically and less people taking to autos now days. It has also an effect of more Volvos, Marcopolos - good quality buses with more frequent services and connectivity through the mass transport means. I am sure this METER JAM would make some impact. We should do car pool / pick someone on the road to make it more effective on August 12. And as most others, I am religiously on METER JAM ever since I am in Bangalore and I understand the situation we are in. (examle bangalore autowalas ask us to pay for a 10 km ride more than our travel cost - bus/train of 400 kms to give a slight perspective) LET US GO - METER JAM!
	() Thanks

11th August 2010, 12:01	#26
amitoj Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Windham, NH USA Posts: 3,348 Thanked: 3,103 Times View My Garage	Most auto drivers are of the opinion that if the passenger can afford to pay more, then they have all the right to demand more money!! This is the most ridiculous line of thought. I really hope this Meter Jam effort goes some way in teaching these daylight robbers some much needed lessons.
	() Thanks

11th August 2010, 12:47	#29
srishiva Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 4,375 Thanked: 2,256 Times	I am not really sure how many people can take part in this. Only people who have alternate arrangements can do this which I dont think would be a big number. We are discussing this on an auto forum where everyone has there own travel arrangements. If bus days dont affect the autowallah, how can this have any impact? Also, how can someone wanting to go somewhere and is dependent on auto take part in this?
	() Thanks

11th August 2010, 12:58	#30
nirmaljusdoit BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 833 Thanked: 674 Times	This whole idea sounds good - but can it really pass on the message to the Auto driver community ? I feel something more concrete needs to be done to remedy the situation. Meter jam for one day is not going to make any big difference to them. Since the auto drivers have many unions, i feel a better way is to work along with them (the unions) to bring about some much needed changes.
	() Thanks