Police drive evokes mixed reactions

Obviously, it the city police, which is all determined to put a stop to this system, which has emerged as the spoilsport. The department8217;s drive, fining drivers not plying by the meter, has invited wrath and an indefinite strike by about 30,000 autorickshaws, which are off the streets since the past two days, throwing all transportation out of gear.

However, Police Commissioner Kuldip Sharma is adamant. 8220;The shuttle system is one of the main reasons why an alternative transportation system has not developed,8221; he told Express Newsline, adding that the police would continue the drive.

While there is a section which justifies the drive, saying the system must be wiped out as it is illegal, others have expressed reservations of the drive coming a cropper.

Eminent jurist and retired judge of the Gujarat High Court, Justice Dhirubhai A Desai, while welcoming the drive, says the meter system will ultimately benefit the people. 8220;It is not a question of convenience but that of legality. And there is no denying the fact that rickshaw drivers have been exploiting the system to the hilt8221;.

Noted social worker and president of the Sarvodaya Mitra Mandal, Jayant Lapsiwala, however, says, 8220;There is no need for meters in the first place. No alternative system can benefit both the drivers as well as the passengers as the current one.8221;

Lapsiwala, in fact, says there are more chances of passengers being duped in the meter system than the shuttle. 8220;Now everyone knows exactly how much is being charge. With meters in what is the guarantee that passengers will not be duped.8221; He alleged that there were widespread complaints of policemen themselves taking bribes to let people go and if not obliged, they clamped a Rs 50-fine.

Subodh Pathak, a bank employee, too, favoured the drive. 8220;I think it is high time that the meter system is implemented in the city. In fact, the fare can be shared even when the meter is on, which will ensure fair price for the passengers8221;.

Jayesh Sharma, who works as a supervisor in a dyeing unit, is however, not happy over the police move. 8220;Who will take me for Rs 4 from the station to Chowk? The shuttle system is cheap and convenient and it should continue,8221; he says.

The rickshaw unions, on the other hand, feel that the police are unnecessarily targetting them. Says Mahesh Master of the Surat Auto Rickshaw Mandal. 8220;Why only people, even government employees travel by this system daily. Even the police themselves use the shuttle system and do not even pay.8221; Bashir Pathan of Sahayog Rickshaw Sangh is more outspoken. 8220;Are there not irregularities elsewhere? What happened in the luxury bus issue? Was that not illegal, then why did the police bow down?8221;

The union leaders, however, admit that more than half of the 30,000-odd autorickshaws do not have working meters in the first place.