RTA warns auto unions to end stir or face action

MANGALURU: As the auto rickshaw unions on Thursday decided to intensify their stir and stay off the road even on the third day on Friday, the RTA has hit back sending them a terse warning. The Secretary, RTA warned them that if the auto unions did not withdraw the strike, the RTA will cancel the District Magistrate's notification regarding not allowing autos from periphery to enter the city. All auto rickshaws will be given open permits to operate anywhere in the Mangalore taluk,'' the order stated. Earlier autos registered in rural limits were banned from entering the city limits. The auto drivers here are protesting against downward revision of auto fares by the Regional Transport Authority a few days back. What started the stir RTA's move to revised auto rickshaw fares downwards following a steep fall in motor fuel prices. The authorities cut the base fare for a 1.5km ride from Rs 25 to Rs 20, and for every additional kilometre from Rs 14 to Rs 13. Already there are schisms in union members with some drivers openly confessing that they needed to operate daily to keep the hearth fire burning. If it continues on Friday, we will be desperate. Hope it ends tomorrow,'' said a union member. As usual, the roads were free on Thursday and were congestion-free and none of the public expressed sympathy for the strike. -TOI