Consumer body rolls out autorickshaw service

On the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day, the Tiruchi-based Consumer Protection Council, Tamil Nadu, on Friday launched its fleet of autorickshaws which will collect only meter fare from passengers.

Fitted with electronic fare meters, the seven autorickshaws were flagged off by Motor Vehicle Inspector Anand at a function held at Thillai Nagar here.

Passengers would be charged Rs.20 for a minimum distance of 2 kilometres and Rs.10 for every kilometre thereafter.

The auto drivers would be wearing uniforms with name badges.

By contacting the dedicated mobile number 73730 – 82821, passengers could hire the autorickshaws.

The council president, R.Natarajan, said the organisation had started the initiative with the objective of helping people, who are dependent on autorickshaws. The council had launched the initiative out of passion and to do its bit for society, its secretary S.Pushpavanam said.

Every auto driver had been provided with a mobile phone and only meter fare would be charged from the passengers, he added. Members of various consumer and service organisations participated.