Myth: Electronic Fare Meters can be tampered, so they cannot be trusted

Fact: Electronic Fare Meters are tamper-proof and you can trust them blindly. Tampering is almost impossible. If a driver tries to tweak up the fare meter, its circuitry will be damaged and the meter will stop functioning after a day or two. Since the average cost of repair is in the region of Rs.500, no driver can take the risk of trying to fix the meter. Having said this, the first batches of electronic meters were of such poor quality that they wold break down very often. In many cases, while the meter is not functioning, its display continues to be lit up and throws up figures at random. This is not the same thing as a tampered meter. A tampered meter is defined as one which is deliberately set to display higher fare at a predetermined hiked rate.

Myth: No action is taken on complaints lodged at Government's helpline number 42400400.

Fact: This is not completely true. Usually, a challan is issued against your complaint and the fine is paid by the violator. The problem lies in the inability of the Transport Department to report to you the action taken by them. In the absence of such feedback, your assumption that no action is taken is justified.

Myth: CNG powered auto is cheaper to run than the one powered by petrol

Fact: This is not entirely correct. 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.

Myth: Auto drivers earn a handsome Rs.15,000 to Rs.20,000 per month.

Fact: Please see the chapter titled "Income & expenses of autos" to understand how much they earn every month. They deserve your sympathy and understanding.