In order to reduce complaints of overcharging and harassment by autorickshaw drivers, the Noida Authority in collaboration with the Gautam Budh Nagar Authority will soon set up 15 prepaid booths at various points in Noida.
Senior Noida Authority officials said this would also help create “last-mile connectivity” for people who want to travel to spots which are not connected by other means of transport, such as buses or the Delhi Metro.
“The payment will be made at the booth and commuters will get a printed receipt. Commuters will then be told to give the driver the receipt after they safely reach their destinations,” a senior officer said. Officials said traffic constables will be present at each booth to ensure that there is no overcharging or misbehaviour on the part of auto drivers.
Apart from this, if the passenger makes a complaint at the booth, the driver will not be reimbursed. In case of misbehaviour with women passengers, the driver concerned is also liable to lose his licence. The locations of the booths will be decided after the Noida Auto Rickshaw Union submits a report on suitable spots next week.
Thus far, the booths will be placed near six Metro stations, apart from Sectors 58, 62 and 125, which are busy areas. Auto drivers will be told to wear a uniform; an ID badge is also mandatory.