KOCHI: (The photo above is a regular queue at an autorikshaw pick-up point in a Mumbai suburb. This is not an outright business story; I am simply pouring my thoughts out on an issue that affects daily commuters in Kochi)
The Kerala Transport Department recently announced a new rule: all autorickshaws must display a sticker behind the driver’s seat stating, “If the meter is not engaged, the journey is free.” The intent is clear – passengers should not have to haggle over fares, and autos should run strictly on meter rates.
But let’s be honest. Will this change anything on the ground?
The ground reality in Kochi
Despite clear laws mandating meter usage, Kochi’s auto drivers have long ignored them with impunity. Most drivers refuse to turn on the meter, and when they do, it’s often just to gauge how much extra they can demand from the passenger.
Authorities repeatedly urge passengers not to pay beyond meter rates and to lodge complaints against erring drivers. But is it realistic to expect ordinary commuters to challenge auto drivers every single time? Even the authorities themselves must have faced this issue – surely their own family members have had to deal with arbitrary fare hikes.
A recent personal experience underscores this issue. At 4:30 AM, needing a ride to the railway station, I waited for over 30 minutes before finally finding an auto. The driver, in a tone that suggested he was doing me a favour, declared the fare would be Rs150 – for a trip that should cost around Rs60-70. Out of frustration, I simply said, “I’ll pay whatever you ask.” This is the reality for thousands of Kochi’s daily commuters. Even during regular hours, if you insist on using the meter, most auto drivers will refuse to take you. What choice do passengers have?
Why cab aggregators are winning
It’s no surprise that cab aggregators like Uber and Ola have gained massive traction in Kochi. Unlike autos, these services offer standardised pricing, digital receipts, and (at least some level of) accountability. Interestingly, reports suggest that cab aggregators in Bengaluru are working to refine their pricing further, even exploring ways to eliminate surge pricing during peak hours. Meanwhile, Kochi’s auto drivers seem determined to alienate passengers with their unchecked fare demands.
The Mumbai model: A lesson for Kochi autos
Kochi’s auto drivers often argue that they don’t earn enough. That’s a fair concern, and no one denies them a decent livelihood. Let the base fare be increased by 25-30 per cent if necessary, so they can sustain their families and provide for their children’s education. But will that solve the problem?
The issue isn’t low fares – it’s the mindset. Even if the minimum fare is raised to Rs40, Kochi’s auto drivers will likely use it as just a starting point to demand more. Compare this with Mumbai, where autos run on the meter without argument. Commuters don’t waste time negotiating; they simply get in and get going. Auto drivers, in turn, see a steady flow of customers, often earning Rs1,500-2,000 per day.
In Mumbai, I have personally seen serpentine queues of people waiting to board autos, a sight unimaginable in Kochi. If Kochi’s auto drivers adopted the same discipline, their daily earnings wouldn’t just remain stable – they would skyrocket. Autos would become an integral part of people’s daily transport choices, just as they are in Mumbai.
Will the new rule be enforced?
The new sticker rule is a step in the right direction, but it will mean nothing if enforcement is weak. Authorities must ensure strict implementation. If an auto refuses to turn on the meter, passengers should truly have the right to a free ride, as promised. The government must also enable an easy, quick complaint system – perhaps a WhatsApp-based helpline – so passengers can report violations instantly.
Kochi’s auto drivers are sitting on a goldmine of potential income, but their refusal to follow fair pricing is driving commuters away. If they embraced Mumbai-style professionalism, they would see their incomes rise while making the city’s transport system far more efficient. It’s time for both the authorities and the auto drivers to wake up before cab aggregators fully take over Kochi’s streets.
