If you have ever traveled in an auto rickshaw in Bengaluru on the same route more than once, you understand what I am saying. I do travel nowadays from Domlur to Corporation in an auto. The meters installed in them might be weather sensitive! (Innovation isn’t it). They show different fares everyday for the same route I travel. According to actual tariff released by the Transport department the distance between Domlur to Corporation is 6.5 Km and so the tariff is Rs 39 (now it is 39+7 because of the revised rates). But the tariff shown by the meter usually oscillates around that figure. A small tolerance in the figures is acceptable but sometimes the meters run as if they are running a 100m race. They show Rs 45, Rs 48... ! I and my friend necessarily make some time while traveling so that we can fight out and get the justice. But usually they won’t give us the opportunity to fight with them. Our conversation in an auto with a illegal meter usually goes like this.... Navu: “En sir, meter hinge odthaidhe! (What sir, meter is running like this!)”. Once they come to know that we have learnt about the illegal meter they are using they usually switch off the meter and say “nimage dina corporation ge estu duddu agutho astu kodi sir (daily whatever fare you pay to travel to corporation in an auto pay that much)”. But yaradru Bakra sikadre topi hakodhantu nija.
So beware guys whenever you are into such a situation, where you think the auto rickshaw driver is cheating you, just note down his Driving License (DL) number which is usually displayed on the back of driver’s seat usually visible to the passengers. If you don’t find any such DL just don’t commute in such autos. Make a note of the Auto rickshaw's registration number put up on the number plate. Call the police and lodge a compliant. Another advice is to board an auto with a digital meter, although they are also corrupt sometimes. But if you think why all the fuss...! Then just pay whatever money the meter shows and enjoy maadi ...... :)
