Pune RTO digitises auto drivers' info to nab repeat offenders

In order to take action against errant auto rickshaw drivers who have more than two complaints registered against them, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) is planning to leverage technology to track repeat offenders.

Tracking repeat offenders: This year, as many as 835 cases have been registered against auto drivers for offences like refusing to take passengers, charging extra money and using faulty meter. File Pic

This year, as many as 835 cases have been registered at the RTO against auto drivers for offences like refusing to take passengers to short distance, charging extra money, using faulty meter, etc. To curb the increasing number of cases the transport authority is planning to digitise records and use it to suspend licence of drivers who have more than two cases against them in the span of four months.

"While we have been taking action against errant drivers, slapping fines and suspending their licence for 10 days, there is no way to trace repeat offenders. Therefore, we are planning to put all records in a centralised database that will help us trace repeat offenders.

Auto drivers will have to pay R500 for every proven case against them," informed Anil Valiv, deputy regional transport officer. According to Valiv, the software will be designed in such a manner that if an official types the name of the driver or licence number, it will highlight whether the name or licence has been keyed in for the second time.

Depending on the cases, action will be taken against the auto driver, which includes suspension of licence up to 60 days.
"By the end of this month, the database maintained in our register will be digitised on the server and any officer can access it. In addition, complainants will be given immediate feedback about their complaints through email or SMS against the errant rickshaw driver," he added.