Troubled with auto drivers haggling over fares outside Pune railway station in the past, Manish Jadhav who alighted from the Deccan Express yesterday was relieved to find a prepaid auto stand in the premises.

Long wait: Auto drivers wait for passengers at Pune railway station. Pic/Mohan Patil

That initial relief, however, turned into discontent for Jadhav and his family after he was apprised of the fare to his destination.

“I often come to Pune to meet my relatives residing in Kothrud. But when I approached the prepaid auto booth, I was told to shell out Rs 175 for my destination. I was taken aback, as a few months ago when I travelled the same distance without the prepaid service, I was charged Rs 100,” said Jadhav.