On day 78 of MiD DAY's Meter Down Campaign, an errant auto driver caught for refusing fare got into a heated argument with the traffic constable; even abused the passenger who complained against him

Place: Borivli Station (E)
Time: 10 am-11.30 am and 5.45 pm-7.15 pm
Offenders caught:u00a07
Commuters speak
Anudeep Mehra said, "It's been over 30 minutes, since I just got off an out-station train after a long and a tiring journey. However, I'm yet to find an auto that is ready to ply me. Most of the drivers either refuse or demand extra for the luggage."

Ankita Kulkarni said, "I'm travelling with my aged mother, who has difficulty in walking. Despite seeing an old lady travelling with me, none of the arrogant auto drivers agreed to ply us. So far, we have been snubbed by at least five auto drivers."

Samira Pimple said, "After a tiring day at work, all we want to do is reach home early. This is where these opportunist auto drivers exploit the poor passengers. Since they are in demand during rush hours, the drivers choose passengers as per their convenience. Almost all of them prefer plying long distance fares."


I can explain: An auto driver tries to reason with a traffic cop after his
licence was confiscated for refusing a fare. Pic/Rane Ashish

Auto drivers speak
Sohan Pal: "How can you book me for refusal if I don't even remember when did I refuse the passenger?"