Tamil Nadu Auto Drivers Demand DMK-Govt to Revise Metre Fare

Thousands of auto-rickshaw drivers staged protests across Tamil Nadu on May 9, demanding a revision of metre charges.

In April 2022, the Madras high court ordered the Tamil Nadu government to revise the auto-rickshaw fares periodically, considering the fluctuating fuel prices, and created a software to do the job automatically. One year has passed, and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government has still not implemented it. The metre fare was last revised in 2013.

To draw the government's attention, auto drivers sat on a day-long hunger strike in Egmore, Chennai. 

The strike was led by S Balasubramaniam, executive president of the Tamil Nadu Auto Workers Federation. Speaking to reporters at the protest site in Chennai, he said, “Metre fare has not been revised in 10 years, and a year has passed since the high court ordered the hike in metre rates. But nothing has been done. Due to this lag, auto drivers have a bad reputation among the public for charging more.” 

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)- affiliated union demanded the fare should be fixed at Rs 50 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 25 for the subsequent km. All the auto unions in the state accept this demand, including DMK’s union Labour Progressive Federation (LPF).

‘DON’T IMPLEMENT MOTOR VEHICLE ACT’

The Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2019 must be revoked in the state as it levies heavy fines on the drivers, the union’s demand added.

“The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) supported the union government's Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act in the parliament, whereas the DMK opposed it. But the AIADMK government did not implement the law. Unfortunately, the DMK regime is implementing it,” said Balasubramanian.

He asked, “Why implement the law in Tamil Nadu, which is not implemented in many states?”

The auto union demanded the state abandon the Act and, in contrast, implement the Supreme Court ruling to stop online fines.

The protestors in Virudhunagar demanded the local transport officer refrain from imposing fake fines claiming autos were driven across the border. Passenger autos are allowed to operate within a 30 km radius.

Auto-drivers protest in Virudhunagar. Image credit: Theekkathir

OTHER DEMANDS

The CITU-affiliated auto union demanded a tripartite committee like in neighbouring states. The committee will adjust the tariff from time to time according to the rise in the price of petroleum products.

Stating the Ola and Uber companies collect fares contrary to what the government has fixed, the union demanded that such applications be run by the state government, as practised in Kerala. They also asked for the regulation of illegal bike taxis like Rapido.

In the protest held near Sivaganga Palace gate, auto drivers demanded the brokers in the Sivagangai (Regional Transport Office) RTO stop harassing auto drivers.

Auto workers union protested against the Perambalur district administration for not repairing potholed roads in the city.

Auto drivers protest at Thiruvannamalai. Image credit: Theekkathir.

DMK promised Rs 10,000 in financial assistance for new autos, but it is not yet implemented.

“Tamil Nadu chief minister claimed he fulfilled 90% of DMK’s election promises. We urge him to fulfil his promise to auto-workers as part of the 91%. The rightful demands of the brown-uniforms workers, who were instrumental in DMK’s election victory, must be fulfilled,” said S K Mahendran, CITU state secretary.