Though the deadline for calibrating auto meters has lapsed, not even a fourth of the city’s autos have their auto meters recalibrated as per the revised fare. Auto unions refused meter calibration as they want a Mumbai-like system which allows auto drivers to use fare charts. However, the Legal Metrology Department has said that this system is illegal and auto drivers have no choice but to get their meters recalibrated. They were given three months to do so after auto fares were revised in March. While government is trying to ensure that meters are tamper-free, auto drivers have been protesting against the charges levied by manufacturers for recalibration.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Assistant Controller, Department of Legal Metrology, M. Gopalappa said, “Auto unions in the city argue for a Mumbai like system of fare collection for autos. However, the system is illegal as per norms and is not feasible. Now, calibration of auto meters has been extended to June 30, as most autos have yet to do so. We will wait for a month after which we will start checking autos for meter calibration.”
Since different manufacturers have different rates for recalibration, auto drivers demand that a uniform rate be fixed for recalibration across manufacturers, and that this be below Rs 100. To look into the matter, transport department officials have set up a committee to decide on calibration rates. Meanwhile, the Legal Metrology Department is conducting regular drives to penalize auto drivers with tampered meters. “We are initiating action against drivers running tampered meters or drivers demanding exorbitant fares. We have acted on a complaint lodged by an auto passenger and the auto driver was sent to jail for fleecing the passenger. Passengers facing harassment by auto drivers can call us to lodge their complaint with us