Rail commuters stranded as autos skip prepaid counters

Kochi: Prepaid auto counters function at railway stations to ensure fair pricing and safety. But on most days when people alight at Ernakulam north & south stations and try to book a ride, they are forced to wait as many autos skip these counters. While counters are staffed, the designated lanes stand empty. But metres away, dozens of autos wait in a chaotic huddle, ready to ferry passengers, but on their own terms."We arrived at Ernakulam South railway station on Friday morning on Jan Shatabdi Express. We tried to avail the prepaid counter service and booked an auto by paying Rs 2 as commission. But none of the autos entered the designated lane but ferried commuters from nearby space on their own terms. While the prepaid rate was only Rs 120, these drivers demanded Rs 200 to go the same distance," said Sivothaman N, an elderly person.Autorickshaw unions blamed authorities for the system's collapse, saying they failed to implement the service."We've asked our members to take commuters from the prepaid counters, which are put up for just one purpose. But drivers from outside run trips on their own terms. Authorities should strictly direct such autos to enter the prepaid counter lane and take commuters based on the prepaid fee," said district secretary of Autorickshaw Drivers Association (CITU) Sree Kumar.However, he pointed out that app-booking services should not pick passengers from railway stations. "The rule mandates fare meters in autos, but there is a section that runs on lower fares that are determined online. This can't be justified," he added.The primary reason for this issue is the rigid fare structure. Auto drivers said traffic congestion increases travel time significantly. "Prepaid rates, calculated on a distance basis, do not account for the idle time spent in gridlock. By avoiding the counter, drivers demand surge pricing or rates that are often higher than the govt-mandated fare," said an auto driver operating out of Ernakulam south railway station.Furthermore, many drivers resist the system because they face return-journey loss. During rush hour, a driver who takes a passenger to a distant suburb is unlikely to find a return fare, making the fixed-rate trip financially unviable, he added.The situation often leaves vulnerable sections like senior citizens, women who are traveling alone and those new to the city at the mercy of these drivers. When the prepaid booth fails, the safety net of recorded vehicle numbers and tracked trips disappears."To fix this, authorities must move beyond just setting up a booth. There is an urgent need for stringent policing to ensure that any auto picking up passengers within station premises passes through the prepaid queue," said Kumar.