Auto rickshaws or autos — the 3-wheeled marvel, is used by a common man in India as a mode of travel. It is my son’s favorite toy model, and he can sacrifice any fancy car model to get his hand on one :). Autos in Bangalore are a menace. The auto drivers are rude, arrogant, cheats, and most often, refuse to go the place you want to go to. Most of the meters are tampered with, and many of them are goons. You would not want to have an argument with them.
Most auto unions are supported/propagated by political outfits and fringe organizations, which have some sinister activities to their credit. No wonder, these auto walas are so supportive of these political rallies. Anyway, they drive as rash as it can get. In India, as far as driving is concerned, it is a madhouse out there on the roads. But, autos are in another league altogether. They stop and start, most often without any brake lights at frightening speeds. They are mostly not fitted with silencers and make the noise of a jet engine on the roads. They veer and weave through the traffic, sometimes climbing on pavements and even medians. And, whether they bang your vehicle or you backend theirs; they will be up in arms with the sole motive of fleecing you. You can expect a horde of auto drivers surrounding you in no time, sometimes bashing you, and almost always, threatening you to cough up some money. They use adulterated fuel (mixed with kerosene), and pollute the environment even more.
They have no driving sense and certainly, no civic sense. Many of them are involved in criminal activities, and women should be really careful to take an auto through secluded areas in Bangalore.
Okay, that was a long rant! In short, autos ought to be banned for social and environmental reasons. Recently, we had auto strikes in Bangalore, as they were demanding fare hikes. Every time, there is any hike in petrol or diesel prices; they are vociferous in demanding unreasonable hikes.
Why the hell should they not be banned? They are such a nuisance, and they hardly ever provide a service. As a means of transport, a BMTC bus is so much better, safer and cheaper. And, there are AC volvos too for a comfortable travel at a low cost.
The Transport Department should seriously think of ways of curbing their menace. I know they float numbers for registering complaints, but try calling up one to see the actual service. I regularly took autos during my college days in Mumbai, and never faced this problem. But, Bangalore autos are really the worst!
Rachna says 
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