During my trip to Chennai last winter, I had a thorough glimpse into the same and I was informed by a local friend that has become an accepted norm there. Few of the feathers in their "wrong" cap would be gross overcharging, perennially quarrelsome, and the least bit helpful to tourists new to city. Its as if any amount I pay to the rick driver for his service, it still wouldnt repay the enormity of the service he provides, he is the king of the road boss.
I wondered if there should be some government authority to set some formal guidelines to put things in order but I know the moment this thought came to my mind, the pure absurdity and impracticality of this proposition. The autoricks are the King of the road and in the dearth of public transportation for short distances, their bargaining power would only increase manifold.
My only advice to those planning to travel in Chennai without any fixed plans:-
1. get a Bus route map, travel by buses, the co-passengers are far more helpful than these bloated-ego autorick drivers.
2. Travel by the metro or locals
2 comments:
True! We, being locals face this problem.
The cost of living in Tamil Nadu, especially in Chennai is too high. One section of the population in Chennai i.e. the youth draw huge salaries (thanks to call centers and MNC's). They don't have value for the money.
The other section i.e. labour class, auto-rickshaw drivers, etc. take advantage of the situation to earn fast bucks.
Even 10 years ago, the attitude of the auto-rickshaw drivers was the same. But the cost of living in Chennai was the lowest as compared to other metro cities in India.
When we paid Rs.30 for about 3 km in Goa, the same distance used to cost about Rs.15 in Chennai. So the tourist who travel from other places like Goa did not feel the pinch.
Secondly, when we paid 10 rupees more than the prescribed charges, they helped us in loading/unloading the luggages, etc. So, most people never negotiated.
But now everyone feels the pinch - because of the cost.
To know more about Tamil Nadu, visit http://kanchipuram-india.blogspot.com/
Somewhere the problem lies in us only, but what is appalling is that no efforts are being made to improve the situation
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