Most auto operators stick to two-passenger protocol in Kolkata

According to the auto operators’ union, on Wednesday, more than 20,000 autos hit the road in the city on more than 250 routes.

A majority of auto operators across the city continued to ply with two passengers on Wednesday, even though the transport department had allowed autos to ply with 3+1 seating on Tuesday.

“Both drivers and passengers have got used to travelling with two passengers and pay extra. It’s a win-win situation for us too,” said Noor Hossein, an auto driver who plies between Chandni Chowk and Lohapool. He has been charging Rs 35 for the full journey, which used to be Rs 22.

In Baguiati, the auto union leaders said they will stick to the two-passengers strategy at least throughout the fifth phase of lockdown. “An auto operator on the Baguiati-Ultadanga route is hospitalized with Covid symptoms. If his case gets confirmed, then a majority of drivers on this route will have to go into quarantine,” a union member said.

“It’s not safe to carry four passengers at present. We made passengers understand this and asked drivers to ferry two passengers,” said Somenath Dutta, assistant secretary of Baguiati auto union.

Operators in Hazra and Ultadanga complained that cops had refused to allow four passengers per auto in the morning. However, later in the day, the instructions arrived from the traffic department and cops started asking operators to ply with four passengers. But most of them declined. “We cannot force drivers to take more passengers and most people are unwilling to travel in packed autos,” a sergeant said.

According to the auto operators’ union, on Wednesday, more than 20,000 autos hit the road in the city on more than 250 routes.

“I am ready to pay extra and travel with one more passenger,” said Lake Town resident Chandrani Singh.