Banned Preggo autorickshaws do roaring trade in city, openly ferry more than allowed 3 passengers; RTA officials say it's news to them
Banned Preggo autorickshaws do roaring trade in city, openly ferry more than allowed 3 passengers; RTA officials say it's news to them
Preggo autorickshaws, banned by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) in October, continue to not only operate on the stretch between Wakad and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), but also take in more than the allowed three passengers.
RTA members were unaware that Preggos are still operating in the city.
Regional Transport Officer Chandrakant Karatmal was surprised when told about Preggo stands in the city.
"Strict action will be taken against those who are running it," Karatmal said.
Officials were not even aware that one of the busiest stands of these rickshaws is next to the PMC.
A couple of years ago these vehicles were allowed to carry up to eight commuters, but later RTA changed the rules.
When MiD DAY pointed out certain areas where the Preggo autos were still plying and taking even five passengers, Baba Shinde, RTA member and chairman of Pune City Autorickshaw Federation, assured a thorough investigation on drivers who break rules.
Overcharging
Many Preggos charge Rs 20 per commuter, which is illegal. Preggos are popular with working professionals.
"We have approved a rate for these rickshaws and they are not allowed to charge beyond that; and it's definitely not Rs 20," Karatmal said.
Shilpi Roy, a dietician who stays in Aundh, said, "Though I do not regularly travel by Preggos, I was surprised they charged me Rs 20 last week when I was returning from Corporation to Aundh. They refused to explain why they were charging such a high rate."u00a0u00a0
Vijaya Singh, a trainer at Elixer Academy for Self Development, said, "I have my training going on at my Deccan centre and so I travel from Sanghvi to Corporation and then back to Sanghvi. I pay Rs 15 while going to corporation and Rs 20 while coming back to Sanghvi. It's very expensive travelling by Preggos.
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