Tourist-Friendly Auto-rickshaw Scheme
The Tourist-Friendly Auto-rickshaw Scheme, introduced by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, was formally launched in the city by Transport Minister K.N.Nehru on Wednesday.
Twenty six auto-rickshaws have been introduced under the scheme, which seeks to ensure friendly and reliable service for tourists. The distinctly painted auto-rickshaws carry pictographs of tourist attractions painted on the back with the TTDC logo. Selected drivers have been issued photo identity cards after certification by the Home Department.
The drivers have been provided orientation on behavioural and language aspects so as to ensure friendly service. Though the city autos do not follow the meter system, officials said that the drivers of the tourist friendly autos would charge “reasonable fares.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Nehru said about 15,000 to 20,000 new auto permits have been issued, mostly in Chennai, by the Transport Department in an attempt to bring down the fares by improving the demand-supply situation. Several attempts were made to fix the rates for autos and even a study was conducted by a faculty team of Anna University. However, the rates recommended by them were not acceptable to the auto-rickshaw operators. Recently, there has been a demand for issuing permits to auto of Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram to ply to Chennai and a decision would be taken in consultation with the Chief Minister. Subsidy was also provided for fuel conversion from petrol to LPG, he said.
The scheme would be extended to all parts of the State, he said and appealed to the selected drivers to ensure that tourists visiting Tamil Nadu returned satisfied.
Collector T.Soundiah observed that the flow of tourists was improving despite the economic recession. Recently, amenities have been improved at Tiruvellarai and Srirangam in Tiruchi district. Proposals for improving amenities at Thiruvanaikovil and Tirupattoor have been forwarded to the government.
Twenty six auto-rickshaws have been introduced under the scheme, which seeks to ensure friendly and reliable service for tourists. The distinctly painted auto-rickshaws carry pictographs of tourist attractions painted on the back with the TTDC logo. Selected drivers have been issued photo identity cards after certification by the Home Department.
The drivers have been provided orientation on behavioural and language aspects so as to ensure friendly service. Though the city autos do not follow the meter system, officials said that the drivers of the tourist friendly autos would charge “reasonable fares.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Nehru said about 15,000 to 20,000 new auto permits have been issued, mostly in Chennai, by the Transport Department in an attempt to bring down the fares by improving the demand-supply situation. Several attempts were made to fix the rates for autos and even a study was conducted by a faculty team of Anna University. However, the rates recommended by them were not acceptable to the auto-rickshaw operators. Recently, there has been a demand for issuing permits to auto of Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram to ply to Chennai and a decision would be taken in consultation with the Chief Minister. Subsidy was also provided for fuel conversion from petrol to LPG, he said.
The scheme would be extended to all parts of the State, he said and appealed to the selected drivers to ensure that tourists visiting Tamil Nadu returned satisfied.
Collector T.Soundiah observed that the flow of tourists was improving despite the economic recession. Recently, amenities have been improved at Tiruvellarai and Srirangam in Tiruchi district. Proposals for improving amenities at Thiruvanaikovil and Tirupattoor have been forwarded to the government.
Post a Comment