Auto Rickshaw Drivers Cracked Down in Mumbai: Over 5,000 Penalised, 705 Licenses Revoked For Not Plying Short Distances
Assistant regional transport officer Tanaji Chavan, who led the campaign, said 14 flyer squads were used by him to inspect the rickshaw drivers at selected locations.
Mumbai, May 9: The Regional Transport Office (RTO) launched a stringent crackdown on auto rickshaw drivers in the city, after commuters complained of being overcharged, refused for shorter distances and made to pay unfairly in a shared rickshaw. Officials from RTO disguised themselves and launched an undercover campaign between February 26 to May 2.
Assistant regional transport officer Tanaji Chavan, who led the campaign, said 14 flyer squads were used by him to inspect the rickshaw drivers at selected locations. The drive led to the penalisation of over 5,000 drivers, who were charges of various offences including over-seating, overcharging, driving without license or badge and refusal to ply as per commuter's need. I-T Dept Finds Bengaluru Auto Driver Owns Posh Villa Worth Rs 1.6 Crore
Overall, 5,212 drivers were found flouting the norms, he told Mumbai Mirror, adding that the licenses of 2,600 were ceased and 705 among them were revoked for refusing to ply. 171 auto rickshaws were also seized during the drive.
Transport Commissioner Shekhar Channe said a similar drive will be continued for the next few months in order to discipline the rickshaw drivers who are harassing the common people by resorting to malpractices.
The RTO campaign has struck a chord with commuters using rickshaw on daily basis. "Finally, the authorities are doing something to tackle the menace. The rickshaw drivers refuse to use metres, refuse to ply where we want to go, and overcharge us for routes where they driver only on sharing-basis," said a Navi Mumbai resident who uses rickshaw on daily basis to reach BKC after getting down at Kurla railway station.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 09, 2019 12:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).