Why are you supporting auto drivers who are crooks and cheats?

We are not supporting or opposing anyone. Tremendous amount of injustice is being perpetrated against auto drivers which is affecting the quality of the service they provide to you. It is our duty to act against injustice and the real perpetrators, which in this case, happen to be the politicians.

Fare was hiked on 23.06.10. Why are auto drivers still so rude and dishonest?

A small percentage of bad elements always remain in any segment of society. Largely, however, the blame lies at the door of politicians. Waiting charge structure is distorted, no formula for future revisions has been decided, and the fare hike has not been accompanied by any reformist positive action to bring about a fundamental change.

CNG is cheaper than petrol. So you cannot really compare Delhi with other cities.

This is factually incorrect. Many autos in other cities also run on CNG but they get parity of fare with petrol run autos. Moreover, fuel is only one component in the overall cost structure of autos. Time cost of an autorickshaw alone works out at Rs.30 per hour. CNG auto also costs a lot more to maintain than a petrol auto. Whilst CNG is helpful to environment, it makes little difference to the pocket of an autorickshaw driver.

Why do auto drivers refuse?

Some drivers refuse journeys which may entail either traffic jams or returning without a fare over a considerable distance. They do so in order to maximize their earnings which are otherwise low, thanks to the high price of the auto. Other drivers refuse out of habit cultivated over the years of government's neglect and exploitation of the drivers. This has turned them into cynics and refusal is a way of showing their sense of resentment. Yet other drivers, when they refuse, reflect the society's collective "I care a damn" character.

Why are so many autorickshaw drivers rude?

Being an autorickshaw driver is such an un-enticing proposition that only the truly desperate take to it. What can we expect from such a lot? Given the pitiful earnings, there is no room for a man of sufficient honour and expectations to enter this sector. Rudeness is a form of retaliation against the sufferings auto drivers face at the hands of the government and the system. The situation can only be salvaged by a correction in the fare structure and redress of other issues.

Why do you blame the government for all ills?

The government fixes the fare rates. The government makes the rules for the transport sector. The government enforces those rules. It is the government which is hand-in-glove with mafia. So, when we see anarchy, chaos, and sub-standard services all around, who shall we blame?

Why are the fare meters of autorickshaws mostly found broken?

Most autorickshaws continue to use the same electronic fare meter which was hurriedly imposed upon them in 2001. The meters were approved by the government but they were of such poor quality that they would often break down. Even to date, post sales service offered by most vendors leaves a lot to be desired. There are so few engineers that one has to wait for upto one week to have his broken meter repaired. Often, a few days after a meter is repaired, it breaks down again. This is a vicious circle that is best avoided by not having it repaired at all and go by pre-fixed fare.