Comments on: Auto-rickshaws in Mumbai

By: gtoos

gtoos — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:26:29 +0000

The auto-wallahs of Mumbai are easily the best and most honest! Wonderful analysis… I kind of knew everything you were saying after a long conversation with an auto driver in the traffic jam. I was going to write an article about this but found your blog, now a link to this page would suffice

By: Pedicab hire

Pedicab hire — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 05:41:38 +0000

One thing you're saying perhaps is that you would pay more but the general junta would not. So would it make a difference to offer more? Say double meter?We have had enough of these guys bullying us around, and refusing to ply specially when its urgent.I agree with each and every recent conversation regarding the auto-rickshaws condition and strategies.

By: Ami Shah

Ami Shah — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:35:08 +0000

I turned a fan of Mumbai autowallahs, after I had some really bad experiences with the Bangalore autowallahs. My first week in Bangalore, I was charged everything from 45-105 rupees to travel to my office from the guesthouse

Also, if you dont know even “swalpa swalpa kannada”, you’re defnitely duped!

By: Dakshesh Shah

Dakshesh Shah — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:24:27 +0000

A very nice write up

By: Basab

Basab — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:01:34 +0000

Deepak,

Funny comment! Yes, at the end of a tiring day, I will gladly offer twice the fare (aane aur jaane ka bhada). And yes, it makes it easier to think of the fare in dollars or euros.

By: Deepak Shenoy

Deepak Shenoy — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 06:04:40 +0000

I’ve just moved to Mumbai from Bangalore and man, is it refreshing to see my auto conversion rate go up. From a demand to go to “ok”, I have to do an average of 4-6 autos in Bangalore, on a non trafficky day, to a place in the center of town etc.

In Mumbai my average is around 1.5. It’s very rare I’ve gotten rejected, which is quite refreshing. Being a Bangalorean I don’t bat an eyelid if they mumble objections, I essentially give them the look which says “Teri *** ki”, and look for the next black-and-yellow. Here I have nearly that look plastered on my face and they immediately say “yes” and I instantly feel remorse for being such a cynical b.

One thing you’re saying perhaps is that you would pay more but the general junta would not. So would it make a difference to offer more? Say double meter? (for 2 km this will be like 12 bucks) It may make up for the driver apprehension of FC loss. For you the extra will always hurt in a little way (Could I have gotten away with lesser?) but for that I suggest you think about how many Euros this extra is and feel good. Not dollars because that will probably go up everytime you come here.

Might work?

By: Yasir Razack

Yasir Razack — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 08:47:47 +0000

Rickshaw & Taxi Drivers do not have a right to say NO (apparantly?). So remember that each time the rickshaw/taxi driver tells you a NO, take down his vehicle registration number , note the time , date and place and register your complain on the form in the url below .

We have had enough of these guys bullying us around, and refusing to ply specially when its urgent. They have been told that they cannot say a NO to any customer when their meter is FOR HIRE! not even for short or long distance .

All other types of complaints can also be filed on this form. It may be worth bookmarking the link or saving it on your mobile.

http://www.trafficpolicemumbai.org/Complaint%20Form%20aginst%20ART.html

well, use the form wisely. we know when it is necessary to lodge the complaint.

By: Shib

Shib — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:20:32 +0000

Just wanted to let you all know that, legally, the auto driver cannot deny taking you. If he does, you can drag him to a Traffic policeman and lodge a complaint. Of course, traffic policemen are not available everywhere, but if you see one, do take the auto-driver ant make him straight !

By: Diwakar Muthu

Diwakar Muthu — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:31:14 +0000

Man…this is interesting economics. I have always looked at the distance travelled and the cost set by the respective state governments per KM. However there could be other factors that may work…

One key factor could be…Most autos do not get the proper loans from the bank, hence they end up paying exhorbitant rates of interest and thus ask for exhorbitant rates.

I would like to comment on what Deepa has said. Auto meters in Chennai run faster than time. Hence it would be better off to pay what he asks for and then get out….

By: Deepa

Deepa — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:36:37 +0000

Auto-wallahs in Chennai do not confuse themselves with all this math and logic. They keep it fairly simple. They take you where you want to go if you pay the fare they quote. And how on earth they arrive at that fare, God only knows. I only know that there is no portion of the fare that is a system constant; everything is variable.

I think they follow this very basic principle…’Customer is King (in his ability to shell out money). Hence extract maximum possible.’