Few buses, crowded share autos could turn hotspots

Few buses, crowded share autos could turn hotspots

And Drivers Use Curbs To Fleece Commuters

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:07.05.2021

With the state limiting options for public transport, share auto-rickshaws are cashing in on the demand. People too seem to prefer travelling in share auto rickshaws, unmindful of the risk involved. The drivers ferry more than eight to 10 passengers at a time without adhering to Covid guidelines, putting everyone involved at risk.

Share autos are in great demand on major routes like Koyambedu to Madhavaram Koot Road, Nugambakkam to Anna Nagar, Chennai Central to Vyasarpadi and Washermenpet areas. In Chennai alone, there are as many as 61,000 share autos. Usually at least four lakh use MTC buses during peak hours. “With buses being operated only with limited seats, it is tough for me to reach my workplace. Once the seats are full, buses don’t stop. So, I am forced to take autos. They are also charging more than the usual amount,” said Parimala, who is employed at a private company.

Drivers cruise the city withouta a care as police and transport department officials turn a blind eye to this blatant violation. As per the health department’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), only three people, including the driver, are allowed in autos at a time.

Auto driver Palanivel said they strictly follow Covid guidelines. “We never allow passengers to board autos without masks. Before they boad the share autos, we give them sanitisers. With only limited seats in MTC, sometimes passengers themselves beg us to ferry them over the stipulated capacity,” he said.

An official said the transport department came across complaints that some autos were ferrying more than permissible limit of passengers. “We will ensure that all the drivers strictly adhere to SOP while ferrying passengers. If drivers continue to violate the SOP, an enforcement drive would be done to ensure safety of the passengers,” he said.

JUST GET ME THERE! More than 10 people are crammed inside an auto when the SOP says only 3, incluing the driver are allowed