Autorickshaw drivers, owners stage protest in Shivamogga
Autorickshaw drivers and owners staged a protest on Thursday, demanding a freeze on fresh permits, contending that the existing fleet in the city was already
Autorickshaw drivers and owners staged a protest on Thursday, demanding a freeze on fresh permits, contending that the existing fleet in the city was already excessive. The protesters gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office and submitted a memorandum raising four key concerns.
They argued that the high number of autorickshaws in circulation had reduced earnings for existing drivers. They urged the transport department to halt the issuance of fresh permits. The protesters demanded a comprehensive re-survey and review of the prepaid autorickshaw facility, citing the pre-fixed rates for certain distances as unscientific.
They also urged the administration not to permit aggregator services such as Bike-Rapido, contending that the city had limited space for such operations and that introducing them would trigger unhealthy competition in an already saturated market. The fourth demand was for a revision of autorickshaw fares, with the drivers and owners suggesting a minimum fare of ₹50.
Alla Baksh and Santhosh A.N., office-bearers of the Autorickshaw Drivers and Owners Association, led the protest.
The BriefWire