PUDUCHERRY: Thirteen autorickshaws, which did not have proper documents or fare meters in running condition, were impounded by the officials of the Transport Department here.
Transport Commissioner S D Sundaresan told Express that the autorickshaws were seized during a check conducted by the officials at the 100 Feet Road and near the Anglo-French Textile Mills.
Sundaresan said 15 autos, with non-functioning fare meters, were also issued check-reports and the owners/drivers of the vehicles would have to get back to the department after rectifying the shortcomings. The Commissioner said the checks would continue in the coming days also.
It may be noted that the department had, last year, announced the revised fares —a minimum fare of `25 for the first 1.8 km between 5 am and 10 pm and `15 for every additional one km thereafter. But, the passengers have to shell out 50 per cent extra for auto services during night (10 pm and 5 am). The waiting charge for every 30 minutes is `20.
However, the owners/drivers did not stick to the revised fares and fleeced the passengers, leading to several complaints.