Fare hike sparks tensions between passengers and rickshaw drivers in Surat

Surat: A commotion ensued between passengers and auto rickshaw drivers in the Pandesara area of the city over a fare hike issue. Passengers are against the recent increase of Rs. 5 in fare by the auto drivers. As a result of this disagreement, some rickshaw drivers went on strike and did not accommodate passengers. A large number of passengers were gathered on the road, facing difficulties in commuting, and the police had to intervene as the dispute escalated.

The price of CNG has been hiked twice in recent days, leading rickshaw pullers to raise the fare by Rs 5. This dispute erupted between passengers and rickshaw pullers in the Pandesara area today. Passengers told the rickshaw drivers that if the fare was increased, then fewer passengers should be accommodated in the rickshaw. Earlier, 5-7 passengers used to travel in an auto, but with the fare hike, passengers argued that only three passengers should be allowed in the rickshaw.

As a result of the disagreement, rickshaw pullers went on strike, causing disruptions for people traveling to work, schools, and colleges. Many passengers were seen gathering on the road. With rickshaw drivers refusing to carry passengers, the situation became challenging for commuters. The police PCR van also arrived at the scene as tensions rose.

A significant number of women from this area travel to other locations for housework. Typically, six to seven women share a rickshaw to reach areas like Vesu, Althan, City Light, and Ghoddod Road. With the sudden fare increase of Rs 5 per passenger, these women are experiencing hardship.

Protesting the fare hike, one woman said, “The rickshaw drivers have raised the fare but still accommodate 5 people. This cannot work. If the fare is increased, then only 3 people should sit in the auto. This issue has been going on for the past 3-4 days.”

Another woman said, “These rickshaw drivers have been creating issues for 4 days. They make 4-5 people sit in the back, so why should we pay Rs. 20 to them? We travel for work twice a day; how will we afford this fare?”

On the other hand, a rickshaw driver explained, “The price of CNG has increased twice, and when we refill CNG, the cost has also gone up by Rs 5. Therefore, we decided to raise the fare by Rs 5.” DeshGujarat