Actually, I could probably write several posts relating to this topic; however, I want to deal specifically with one thing that made the front page here in Chennai recently:
Tamil Nadu hikes auto rickshaw rates
Chennai, Jan 10: Tamil Nadu government today announced an upward revision of auto rickshaw fares in the state from January 26, 2007. The minimum fare, which was fixed at Rs seven in 1996, now has been revised to Rs.14. This would be valid for the first two kms, state Transport Minister K N Nehru told reporters here.The fare for further distances has also been hiked to Rs six per km from the present Rs.3.50, he said.He said the autorickshaws should be fitted with electronic metres within the next six months failing of which, stern action would be taken.The last revision was made in 1996 and the prices of petrol and diesel have increased many times since then, he said.
Chennai, Jan 10: Tamil Nadu government today announced an upward revision of auto rickshaw fares in the state from January 26, 2007. The minimum fare, which was fixed at Rs seven in 1996, now has been revised to Rs.14. This would be valid for the first two kms, state Transport Minister K N Nehru told reporters here.The fare for further distances has also been hiked to Rs six per km from the present Rs.3.50, he said.He said the autorickshaws should be fitted with electronic metres within the next six months failing of which, stern action would be taken.The last revision was made in 1996 and the prices of petrol and diesel have increased many times since then, he said.
Ok. This may seem like a generally fair thing, right? Raising the fares to a more reasonable price to take into account the hikes in petrol prices? Let's examine a bit closer:
1.) The current auto rates in Bangalore, where the cost of living is generally higher than Chennai, the auto rates are set at Rs. 12 for the first 2 km and Rs. 6 for each additional km.
2.) Generally, in Chennai, it is actually impossible to get an auto driver to take you anywhere less than 2 km for less than Rs. 20...
3.) ...Not that this is verifiable because the auto drivers in Chennai do not use a meter-EVER. In fact, most drivers have completely disconnected their meter and I have even been in an auto where there wasn't even a meter. So what does this mean? You have to know the area well enough to be able to bargain the correct price with the auto driver. What does that mean if you are a tourist, first time in Chennai? That you should expect that you will be cheated if you take an auto. Because, the fact is, if you are white, they generally assume you are a tourist and will raise their rates even more.
Case in point: Liz & I had brunch at the Courtyard Marriott the day she left. When we left, we came out to negotiate for an auto to go back home. Right outside the hotel, the drivers all started their bargaining at Rs. 150, telling us, "Long distance madam. At least 25 km [its actually around 9!]" When we crossed the street, to get away from them and to head in the right direction, the negotiations started out at Rs. 100. Imagine: a Rs. 50 difference just by crossing the street! But how would I know that if I was a first-time tourist?
Why is it like this?, one might ask. This brings me to point #4.
4.)I have heard, though not verified, that it is because the cops own most of the autos here in Chennai. Of course they are not going to enforce the meter laws (which were in existence all along), if they get more money by letting their drivers negotiate for fares. That's why I have my doubts about the "Stern action would be taken" phrase in the report. This phrase is already the Indian equivalent of "There is no punishment defined, so we won't bother to enforce this law." And who is going to enforce the laws anyway if the cops are implicit in the problem?
Now, knowing this (most of which you can find in any tourist publication), would you want to visit Chennai as a tourist? Chennai is the fourth largest metro in India, with several noteworthy tourist spots. It could use the influx of tourist dollars to develop even more. Unlike the heat and humidity (another tourist deterrent) this is something that could easily be fixed to turn Chennai into a viable tourist destination. But, does anyone care?
As a tourist, I thought haggling with the auto drivers was kinda fun. In Ooty, where the rates were posted and in Mysore where they used meters it wasn't nearly as fun. And really, what do Americans care if they pay $1 to get somewhere when they should have been able to do it for 30 cents? Any American that isn't from one of half a dozen huge cities should be thrilled that there even exists a cheap way to get anywhere.
ReplyDeleteChennai won't be a big tourist attraction simply because it isn't as pretty as Ooty or Mettupalayam or Mysore. I really liked it, but I'm not your average tourist.
-The REAL Anonymous
Seems to me South India has some of the best tourist destinations. In some places I found Kerala which is situated in this part of the country being referred to as God's own land. All these info naturally makes me curious to have a vacation of this place, please recommend a good Holiday home in this place.
ReplyDeleteLets not keep the disturbances in mind rather focus on the prime attractions.