Drivers launch Trichy Meter Auto Group to combat app-based services

Around 120 auto drivers have come together to launch the Trichy Meter Auto Group to combat the penetration of app-based autorickshaw service.
Keeping away from auto unions and political parties, the group of auto drivers wants to provide affordable ride for the public and to ensure that profits go only to the pockets of auto drivers and not to the corporate firms involved in app-based services.
Started only with 20 auto drivers on May 1, the group has about 120 auto drivers enrolled in a month.
Drivers who use auto meters can join the Trichy Meter Auto Group. They should follow the tariff fixed by the Tamil Nadu state government in 2013 with a base fare of Rs 25.
The presence of app-based autorickshaws has surged by 150% in the last one year. Auto drivers here raised their concerns about possible monopoly.
“After the intrusion of app-based autos, customers demand and prefer metered autos. Instead of giving a portion of our earnings to corporate firms, we realised why not to float a network of our own to pursue the tariff set by government,” Trichy Meter Auto Group member M Mohammed Younus told TOI.

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