In a bid to address the rising concerns of overcharging and ride refusals by auto and taxi drivers, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has rolled out a WhatsApp helpline. This move comes on the heels of a similar initiative to tackle private bus overcharging during the festive season.
Passengers can now report instances of overcharging and ride refusals by sending complaints through the newly launched WhatsApp number. Prior to this, complaints were accepted through email and traditional mail, garnering an average of five to six grievances daily. Penalties and permit suspensions have been the measures taken against errant drivers. With the introduction of the WhatsApp helpline, the RTO expects an increase in the number of complaints, as the platform is more easily accessible.
To file a complaint via WhatsApp, passengers are required to take a picture of the vehicle with its registration number and provide a description of the problem. The RTO will issue show-cause notices to the drivers in question.
Residents in various parts of Pune have expressed their support for this initiative, highlighting the daily challenges they face with auto drivers. A Koregaon Park resident mentioned the stress of dealing with multiple refusals during morning and evening commutes due to short distances. Another resident from Lohegaon pointed out that auto drivers, especially in the late evening, often demand extra fares, citing a lack of returning passengers.
As the RTO braces for potentially hundreds of complaints, the effectiveness of their response and the impact on improving the behavior of auto and taxi drivers remains a pressing question. Pune residents are optimistic about the quick and successful implementation of this system, hoping for a positive transformation in their daily commuting experiences.
