2-passenger norm adds to auto drivers’ woes

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, May 25

Auto rickshaws may have been allowed to ply again, but the two-passenger norm makes operations financially unviable, claim owners and drivers.

Anuj, an auto driver, said social distancing was coming at a big price for them. “Covid has affected our lives badly. We were sitting at home for two months, now we have been permitted to ply autos but with the restriction of two passengers at a time. Fare paid by two passengers does not even cover fuel cost. I was carrying three passengers and was challaned by the police,” he said, adding that it was very tough to survive in such circumstances.

Vikram narrated a similar story. He said when he asked customers for higher fare to make up for the loss, they start arguing. “The government must allow at least four passengers so we would meet some expenses.”

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