As Diwali draws near, the streets of Pune are bustling with shoppers flocking to popular markets like Laxmi Road and Raviwar Peth. However, a disturbing trend has emerged – autorickshaw drivers are reportedly taking advantage of passengers by overcharging them, especially for short distances. This issue has left many women and senior citizens feeling helpless, as drivers refuse to use the meter and demand higher fares instead.
Commuters rushing to complete their festive shopping have expressed frustration at being charged two to three times the usual fare. The problem seems to be more prevalent in busy areas near bus stops and metro stations, where drivers seize the opportunity to capitalize on passengers in a hurry.
One commuter, Amit Joshi, shared his experience of being asked to pay Rs 100 for a 1.2 km ride, when the metered fare should have been around Rs 50. Another passenger, Shruti Jadhav, recounted being charged Rs 150 for a journey that should have cost Rs 60, particularly in high-traffic locations.
Elderly individuals and women have been disproportionately affected by this issue, with many feeling uncomfortable negotiating with drivers who blatantly refuse to use the meter. Calls for local authorities to intervene and enforce fair fare systems have been growing louder among Pune residents.
As the festive season reaches its peak, passengers are hopeful for prompt action to curb this exploitation. In the meantime, many are faced with the dilemma of either paying the inflated fares or avoiding autorickshaws altogether for the sake of their wallets.
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