No helpline to rein in autos

CHANDIGARH: Following the Delhi gang rape, the Delhi government has launched a helpline to keep a tight rein on auto drivers, who refuse to ferry women or don't charge as per the meter, by issuing challans and cancelling permits. But, the UT administration is yet to have any such dedicated number where such complaints could be lodged with the state transport authority (STA).
About 4,000 autos, including those coming from Mohali and Panchkula, ply through city roads daily. City residents complain there is hardly any auto driver who ferries passengers on meter charges and most of them demand exorbitant rates.
The public transport situation in the city worsens with the night, complain residents, as there are just four CTU buses plying on major routes during late evening hours. Taking advantage of the situation, auto drivers demand exorbitant rates and refuse to go to a certain destination for a lower fare.
The only contact number (2700159) of the STA where such complaints can be lodged is the landline number of STA secretary's PA, which is functional only between 9am and 5pm on working days. The traffic police promise to issue challans to the erring auto drivers, but the complainant needs to call up helpline no. 1073 and be there with the auto driver until the traffic police reach. SP Maneesh Chaudhary said they will challan auto driver if he refuses to go or if he doesn't charge according to the meter.
But, the UT administration is yet to have any such dedicated number where such complaints could be lodged with the state transport authority (STA).
STA secretary Balbir Singh Dhol said the residents can contact their office numbers if they have any complaints at present. "In the near future, we will come up with a helpline to deal with such complaints," he added.