Citizen voices rise as Pune battles rampant auto meter fraud – full story at puneripages.in
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
The Scene: A Daily Act of Extortion
You walk up to an auto stand in Pune. You want to go somewhere nearby—just a couple of kilometers. The meter fare should be around ₹30, but the driver looks you in the eye and says, “₹50.” No explanation, no negotiation.
Later in the day, you want to travel across the city. This time, the same kind of driver insists on using the meter. Why? Because he knows the fare will spike with distance and traffic.
This isn’t fair trade. It’s daily extortion. And it needs to stop.
Table of Contents
Why the Public Should Boycott Overcharging Auto-Rickshaws
1. It’s Against the Law
Auto drivers in Pune are legally bound to charge by meter within city limits. Refusing to use the meter is a violation of their license terms. And let’s be honest—”meter kharab hai” is a tired, dishonest excuse.
2. You’re Funding Corruption
When you agree to overpay, you aren’t just being generous—you’re rewarding illegal behavior. Every time we give in, we normalize corruption.
3. The Cycle Reinforces Itself
The more people agree to verbal fares, the more drivers refuse meters. This punishes honest drivers who follow the rules and drives them out of business.
4. Boycotts Work
If enough commuters reject overcharging, drivers will be forced to change. When their daily earnings drop, they’ll learn: honesty pays better.
How to Fight Back – A Practical Plan
1: What YOU Can Do
- Ask for the Meter. Always. If they say no, walk away.
- Use App-Based Autos (Ola/Uber/Rapido) to avoid this nonsense entirely.
- Reward Honest Drivers – a thank-you or small tip goes a long way.
2: What WE Can Do
- Spread the Word – Tell friends and family: “Meter nahi toh ride nahi.”
- Use Social Media – Click a photo of the auto and tag @PuneCityPolice, @RtoPune, @Traffic_Pune with the details.
3: What the SYSTEM Needs
- File a Complaint – Note the auto number, time, place, and issue.
- Report on the Pune Traffic Police app.
- Email RTO Pune with subject: “Refusal to Ply / Meter Refusal”
Let’s Talk Fairness
Yes, fuel prices are rising. Yes, driving in Pune traffic is hard. But that’s a battle drivers need to take to the RTO, not to passengers.
Let’s demand a city where the rules are clear and respected. Where honesty is the norm, not the exception.
Your wallet has power. Use it. Say no to meterless rides. Say yes to a fairer Pune.
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