Guwahati wrestles with a persistent problem: the absence of functional fare meters in auto-rickshaws. This lack of transparency in pricing leads to disagreements, frustration, and a feeling of being cheated for both passengers and drivers. Despite repeated attempts by the authorities to enforce meter usage, the issue remains unresolved.
The fight for meter adoption in Guwahati is not recent. The government has mandated fare meters for auto-rickshaws several times in the past, but successful implementation has been elusive. In 2015, the Kamrup district administration formed a core committee to ensure meter usage. During the meeting, Kamrup DTO Gautam Das commented on the committee's determined efforts to regulate fare meter usage in auto-rickshaws. Similar measures were taken in subsequent years, with threats of license cancellation for non-compliant drivers.
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In a recent inquiry regarding the matter, the permit officer of the district transportation office stated, “This matter can be resolved only when the enforcement of vehicle laws is seriously implemented by the enforcement and traffic department.” The officer also revealed that in a recent meeting, the issue of auto-rickshaw drivers demanding high fares was discussed, with drivers reportedly charging approximately 300 rupees for a 3-kilometer distance. “The Permit Department can only take action if a complaint is registered by the passengers against the auto-rickshaw driver who charges high fare, and the department will take action after investigating permit violations,” the DTO permit officer stated.
The underlying reason for the resistance to meters in Guwahati's auto-rickshaws seems to be the drivers' concerns about fare structures. They argue that the government-set fares, which may not keep pace with rising fuel costs and maintenance expenses, make it difficult to operate profitably with meters. An auto driver stationed at the Fatasil Chariali area had a meter device installed, but it was dysfunctional. When asked why it had not been repaired, the driver replied, "This is just for show and it does not work. We don't repair meters because petrol prices keep fluctuating, often resulting in a lack of profit for us." Additionally, some drivers complain about a lack of readily available and affordable repair shops for meters, leading to downtime and financial burden.
Passengers, on the other hand, face the brunt of the meter-less system. The absence of a standardised fare system allows for overcharging, especially on unfamiliar routes. Bargaining becomes a necessary, yet often stressful part of every journey. Pranimal Sarkar, a resident of Guwahati, voiced his grievance about the "high fare asked by auto drivers. There is no regulation, and the fare is not according to the distance," he mentioned. This lack of transparency also makes it difficult to compare fares and choose the most economical option.
Additionally, technology could play a role in the future of auto-rickshaw fares in Guwahati. Integrating GPS with fare meters could automatically calculate fares based on the distance travelled. Mobile app-based booking systems with clear fare displays could offer a convenient and transparent alternative, though these options are not easily accessible for low-income passengers.
The solution for absence of fare meters in Guwahati's auto-rickshaws needs to be addressed soon, so as to uplift the public transportation woes of Guwahati.
