Allow 5 passengers: Auto drivers to cops

Kolkata: Autorickshaw unions in Behala have approached Diamond Harbour traffic guard to grant the permission for carrying one more passenger, taking the total count to five. They have appealed for this change in norm for ferrying passengers during the rush hours. The auto operators on Haridevpur-Tollygunge and Garia-Sonarpur routes are also mulling to approach the local traffic guards with similar request.Union leaders claimed that if an extra commuter is allowed to board the auto, they would be able to keep the fleet on the roads without imposing a massive fare hike. They said increase in fare would pinch pockets of the commuters.A route committee member of the Behala to Dakghar route said they didn't want to increase fare like what has been done on other routes. "This will be a win-win situation for both sides," he said, claiming that commuters will not have to wait for a longer period. The move comes as auto drivers struggle to cope up with the losses incurred due to the ongoing fuel crisis. Such practice of carrying extra passengers was being reported on Taratala to Rabindra Sarobar and Dharmatala to Lohapool routes, which is illegal. "Even in this crisis, we cannot defy the rules. We have forwarded the plea to the state," a police officer said.