Auto fares too steep? Why not try pooling

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Auto pooling, a system which allows multiple passengers to take an auto, may provide a cheaper trave l solution for commuters who do not want to use public transport like buses and others for whom the minimum fare is a deterrent.

This concept, if explored by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), followed in many parts of the country, will not be economical for commuters as well as auto drivers. It could also reduce pollution and save commuters who have to increasingly contend with auto drivers who are rude and unwilling to oblige.

This practice mostly prevalent in North and Central India, allows multiple passengers to take an auto, not exceeding capacity, which allows the auto driver to realize his full fare for the final distance by dividing the fare amount among the passengers. In case a passenger wants to get down half way, a reasonable amount is worked out, which is almost half of the minimum fare.

L T Suvarna, district general secretary of the Federation of Karnataka Auto Rickshaw Drivers' Union, said they were in support for auto pooling (sharing) as it works out both ways. He says for example, polling will allow a passenger to pay a rupee or 50 paise more than the bus fare from Lady Goschen Hospital to Attavar. "This will make autos more attractive to passengers who consider the minimum fare as a deterrent," he said.

Suvarna said the federation was also willing for an alternative of Rs 10 per km minimum fare. The present minimum fare of Rs 13 is for a 1.5 km distance.

Rekha Moily, who was in Nashik, said this practice in the grape city was win-win for both and she never paid more than Rs 6 for her travel in and around the city due to this pooling. "There was a move to remove that system by the RTO as the autos were taking more passengers. But there was resitance from public and the system still continues," she added.

Rekha said her travel in ordinary circumstances to her office, a distance of 7 km, cost Rs 65, but pooling allowed her to cover the distance with just Rs 12, with two auto pools.

Nagarika Hitarakshana Samithi president Hanumanth Kamath also strongly supports this idea saying it will work out to the advantage of both passengers and drivers.

Deputy commissioner V Ponnuraj told TOI it was an interesting idea and he may explore it at the RTA meeting on auto fare which will be held on Saturday.