Wheels of change

It's supposed to be the problem that has defied all solutions till now, and according to cynics, would probably continue to do so in the fut...

It8217;s supposed to be the problem that has defied all solutions till now, and according to cynics, would probably continue to do so in the future too. The sight of overcrowded auto-rickshaws ferrying innocent children to and from school has become so endemic that it has almost stopped affecting the populace anymore. With the entire issue involving diverse parties and having far-reaching economic ramifications, its nature seems to have become so complex that a simple solution looks almost impossible.

And yet, paradoxically enough, for probably the first time, a straight solution does seem to be taking shape, as is evident from a cursory glance at the commuting trends emerging at the start of this academic year in schools over the city.

While a large number of auto-rickshaws that ply the school route continue to carry on as before, always on alert for the traffic constable on the road, there has also been a significant increase in the number of mini-buses and matadors on these very routes over the past week. Successfully displacing the three-seaters.

What is even more heartening about this change is that most owners of these vehicles had previously been auto-rickshaw drivers themselves, who disposed off their three-seaters and went in for these alternative modes of transport, in response to the parents8217; and authorities8217; demands.

S M Kale, who has been transporting school children in his rickshaw from localities in and around Aundh to Loyola High School for eight years, today sits proudly in his light blue mini-bus. And while secondhand, it gleams from every angle 8211; probably reflecting the shine on its owner8217;s countenance.

8220;I just got fed up with things like strike calls, paying either haftas or fines to the traffic police and a feeling of guilt that one is exposing children to risk everyday. So during this summer break, I sold my auto-rickshaw for Rs 35,000, took loans from friends and family and bought this secondhand mini-bus for Rs 1,50,000,8221; he elaborates. 8220;Parents are very happy now, as they feel the children are more secure. And while I used to charge each child Rs 190 during my rickshaw days, I now charge them Rs 170, since this vehicle is run on diesel, which is cheaper than petrol. The bus being a 32-seater, I am allowed at least 60 students, but even 50 should make this an economically viable venture for me.8221; Kale has 25 students already and hopes to get the rest in the coming days. He is also willing to modify his route according to parents8217; convenience.

Treading a similar path has been Popat Vithal Kamgar, who sold off his rickshaw last month for Rs 25,000 and has bought a secondhand matador for Rs 50,000, taking some loan from credit societies. 8220;The best part is that the perpetual fear of cops hauling you up for carrying excess children is gone. Now, with almost the same running cost, I can safely carry 18 children, In three-seaters, carrying even 10 to 12 used to be such a problem.8221;

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Squatting outside Vikhe Patil School, after having deposited the children inside the school, are Sharad Ghate, Ram Tatya Pawar and four others who share one common bond. They are rickshaw drivers who have converted to being either matador- or mini-bus-owners over the past year. Pawar is the latest man to have followed the trend, having bought his matador just a few days ago. 8220;For 12 years, I ferried school children from areas like Apte Road, Model Colony, Bhonsale Nagar, Chatuhshrunghi and Deep Bungalow Chowk.

Obviously, the number did exceed the permissible level. So it was an everyday tryst with police and parents8217; complaints. Thus, this year, I sold off my three-seater for Rs 35,000 and bought this matador for Rs 1,30,000, after taking a loan from my family. Hopefully, this year, I will be able to repay the loan as I can take more children at the same cost. The only snag is that matadors require more maintenance than rickshaws but at least one is at peace.8221;

8220;Increasing number of rickshaw drivers are changing over to matadors or mini-buses, in view of the authorities8217; stance of not allowing more than six children per rickshaw. The only problem, of course, is finance since the banks do not give loans for buying secondhand vehicles and the interest rates outside are very high. But change does seem to be inevitable8230;8221; adds Ghate. Thankfully.