If your auto-rickshaw gets stuck in a traffic jam, you may have to shell out more, with the Delhi government planning to introduce new meters in autos that will take into account "waiting charge".
Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai has directed Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) to submit a proposal in 15 days on how it (waiting charge) could be incorporated technologically.
The auto unions have been demanding waiting charges for long and they say the primary reason for "refusal" is autos fear getting stuck in long jam as there is no waiting charge now.
"As per existing fare system, if an auto is stuck in a long traffic jam, passenger only pays fare as per distance reading through meter. Auto unions have been demanding from the government to include waiting charge in actual fare if an auto gets stuck in traffic jam," Rai said.
The minister also said that on the demands of auto unions, he has directed DIMTS to give the proposal to government within 15 days on this issue.
"DIMTS will give its report that how waiting charge in traffic jam can be incorporated in the existing auto-rickshaw fare system," the Transport minister said.
Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh has welcomed the move, saying that it will give relief to auto-rickshaw drivers.
"We have been demanding that waiting charge in traffic jams should be included in actual fare. We welcome the government's move," Rajendra Soni, general secretary of Delhi Auto-rickshaw Sangh, said.
The minister said that government will issue permits to 10,000 new autos in view of odd-even scheme starting January 1 and the Transport department will publish names of successful applicants.
