New rule for auto drivers: Be honest,courteous

Within a few days of the hike in auto fares,the Delhi government has come up with a set of unprecedented rules for autorickshaw drivers. The auto drivers can ignore the instruction only at the cost of their contract carriage permits.

As per the new guidelines,drivers will not be able to refuse a ride to any passenger within the NCT of Delhi,and the fare distance chart will have to be displayed prominently at the back of the driver’s seat. It warns drivers against misbehaving with passengers and “intending passengers”.

According to the new rules,autorickshaw drivers will also have to help old and physically challenged persons while they board and alight the vehicle.

“The driver shall extend help and assistance to all senior citizens and differently abled while boarding and alighting the vehicle,” the guidelines state.

For the visually challenged,auto drivers will have to “affix registration number plate in Braille” in accordance with the design and space prescribed by the Transport department.

They will also have to wear their grey uniforms and attend training programmes organised by the department.

Autorickshaws will be asked to display the name and address of the permit holder against whom action will be taken in case of complaints. The Transport department helpline number will be displayed on the vehicles,so that commuters can call up the department directly.

Meanwhile,auto drivers said that they have already been following rules.

“We are willing to comply with the rules,but some of the conditions can be misused by commuters. We expect a non-biased view from the authorities,” said Mukesh,an auto driver.