GUWAHATI: Residents of Guwahati are expressing frustration over the increase in the fares of cycle-rickshaws in the city. Despite public outcry, a lack of regulatory measures continues to burden commuters who rely heavily on this mode of transport for their daily commute.
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In recent months, cycle-rickshaw fares have surged significantly, with passengers often forced to pay arbitrary rates. The absence of a standardised fare structure or enforcement mechanisms has left commuters at the mercy of rickshaw-pullers, particularly during peak hours or in areas with limited transportation options.
"We have no choice but to pay whatever the driver demands," said Ritu Sharma, a college student who commutes daily. "Sometimes, the fares are nearly double what they were just a month ago."
Hirak Basumatary, another working professional from Guwahati, while talking to GPlus said, “The fares are out of control now. It differs at different times of the day, varying in the morning to afternoon then at night. Also, in times of crisis like floods or rains, they demand whatever they feel like!”
Rickshaw drivers, however, defend the increase, citing rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, and the impact of inflation.
“You know the world today and with it our expenses have gone up, and we also have families to support,” said Rajesh Das, a rickshaw driver operating in Paltan Bazar while talking to GPlus.
The lack of a regulatory framework has left authorities struggling to address the issue.
Talking to GPlus, Mrigen Sarania, Mayor of Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) said, “Tickets were given from GMC to operate rickshaws which stopped in 2022. We have plans to regulate as to how the rickshaws are functioning, whether they have operational lights at night or not, we need to check. But, as of yet there are no regulations on the fares. But, in future there may be plausible regulations and we are planning on that.”
For now, Guwahati's residents hope for better fares so as to alleviate the growing financial strain on daily commuters.