No autorickshaw at the Tribune Chowk was willing to drive this correspondent to Sector 17 on a metered drive this morning. One asked for Rs 60, another Rs 70 and the third only Rs 40.

Not exactly in the domain of public transport, autorickshaws and cabs are a major mode of transportation for a large number of commuters everyday. About 700 autorickshaws ply on city roads, besides those coming from Panchkula and Mohali. Over 70 per cent of the autorickshaws do not use meters and a considerable number don’t even have it.

“They don’t use meters and charge whatever deal they can strike with passengers. Outsiders travelling to the city are usually the most harassed,” a commuter said.

It is the same with private cabs. Taking a ride to the airport from Sector 10 could cost above Rs 250.

Commuters are facing problems with the cab service on call. Priya, a software programmer, said: “Earlier, the service was very quick. Yesterday, I waited for more than 30 minutes in my office for the cab to arrive.”

Only two major players - Mega and Indus- are left in the field. Easy Cabs has wound up its service and Mico cabs is a very small company. Several commuters pointed out delay, particularly in evenings. Arvind Kumar, manager, Mega cabs, said the traffic had increased and they would be going in for more vehicles.

Vandana Disodia at the State Transport Authority said they were aware about certain lacunae in the auto services and carry out drives regularly. The old autos might be phased out soon. The latest autos have electronic meters and “we will ensure the apparatus is utilised”, she said.

Source: The Tribune