It seems to make an auto driver mad if he misses you.

It seems to make an auto driver mad if he misses you, and that's precisely what happened to commuter Rohan Jain yesterday evening. Jain, who was on his way home from work, was trying to hail an auto-rickshaw to take him to his destination. As he stood on the side of the road, he noticed an auto-rickshaw approaching, but just as it was about to stop, the driver suddenly accelerated and drove past him.

Jain was taken aback by the driver's behavior and couldn't help but wonder what he had done to deserve such treatment. He waited for a few more minutes, and soon another auto-rickshaw came along. This time, the driver did stop, but as Jain was about to get in, the driver noticed another potential passenger trying to hail him from a short distance away.

The driver, seemingly eager to pick up the other passenger, told Jain that he was not going in his direction, even though Jain was certain that he was. The driver then proceeded to drive away, leaving Jain feeling frustrated and confused. This incident was not an isolated one, as many commuters in the city have reported similar experiences with auto-rickshaw drivers.

In fact, a survey conducted by a local transport advocacy group found that over 70% of commuters have experienced rude behavior from auto-rickshaw drivers at some point. The survey also revealed that many drivers are not transparent about their routes or fares, and often refuse to pick up passengers who are traveling short distances.

According to transport experts, the root of the problem lies in the fact that many auto-rickshaw drivers are not adequately trained or incentivized to provide good service. With the rise of ride-hailing apps and other transportation options, auto-rickshaw drivers are facing increased competition, which can lead to frustration and anger.

Furthermore, the lack of effective regulation and oversight in the auto-rickshaw industry has allowed drivers to operate with relative impunity, without fear of consequences for their behavior. This has created a culture of disrespect and disregard for passengers, which can have serious consequences, including safety risks and decreased mobility for vulnerable populations.

Efforts are being made to address these issues, including initiatives to improve driver training and introduce new regulations to hold drivers accountable for their behavior. Additionally, some cities are exploring alternative transportation models, such as co-operatively owned and operated auto-rickshaw services, which prioritize passenger safety and satisfaction.

However, more needs to be done to address the systemic problems that are driving this behavior. This includes increasing investment in public transportation infrastructure, improving working conditions and compensation for drivers, and implementing more effective mechanisms for reporting and addressing complaints.

In the meantime, commuters like Jain are left to navigate the challenges of the auto-rickshaw system, hoping that their next ride will be a safe and pleasant one. As Jain noted, "It's not just about getting from point A to point B, it's about being treated with respect and dignity. When drivers behave rudely or unfairly, it can be really frustrating and make you feel like you're not valued as a passenger." By working together to create a more equitable and respectful transportation system, we can build a better future for all commuters, regardless of their mode of transportation.