Title - Prepaid autos at railway station soon

NASHIK: The regional transport authority (RTA) has decided to implement prepaid rickshaw service from Nashik Road railway station to 27 destinations in the city before the end of August. The exact date would be announced by August 15."We have finally decided to make it happen," district collector Vilas Patil on Tuesday.The contract of running the service has been given to the Bharat Ratna Magasvargiya Sahakari Grahak Sanstha, based in Panchavati on an experimental basis. The NGO will get Rs 2 per rickshaw for the service, irrespective of the distance the rickshaw travel."The decision to start the pre-paid rickshaw service was pending for a long time. The district administration, RTA and the traffic police carved out a way in which the services would be implemented, managed to ensure that it is a success," Patil said."No autorickshaw, which is not participating in the pre-paid scheme, will be allowed up to 200 metre from the pre-paid rickshaw booth," regional transport officer (RTO) Jeevan Bansod said.

Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Nandkumar Chaughule said that there were chances that the people would oppose the scheme. "But this is the way the things have to happen, considering the safety and security of passengers. The credentials of rickshaw drivers will be maintained with the NGO for a period of one year, so that those who misbehave will be traced," Chaughule said.

20% more charge for prepaid services

The passengers using the pre-paid autorickshaw service will be charged 20% more than the normal fare. "The extra fare has been designed to provide incentives to the rickshaws that are participating in the project," RTO Jeevan Bansod said.

"Pre-paid or paid meters, why the extra charge? Passengers demand safety and security and that is why they opt for metered rickshaw. It is but obvious that rickshaw drivers will be lured into the scheme but at the cost of additional 20% charge. Does the RTO have any procedure to revert it in the near future," asked Vilas Deole, consumer activist.

Salient features

* Pre-paid service from Nashik Road railway station to various parts of the city

* Rate chart for the routes will be displayed near the pre-paid cabin

* Service will be provided 24-hours

* Passengers can trace the vehicle hired by him in case of lost things, complaints or any other issues

* Complaints will be registered at 18002331516

* The NGO which will get Rs 2 per rickshaw for the service offered