Commuters in Panvel and Ulwe have alleged widespread overcharging by auto-rickshaw drivers who refuse to operate by meter and instead demand flat, arbitrary fares. Passengers claim short-distance rides are often denied unless they agree to pre-decided rates.

What we found

A mid-day ground check found a driver charging Rs 50 for a 900-metre ride from Panvel railway station (West) to Pillai College, nearly double the metered fare of about Rs 26. When questioned, the driver reportedly said, “Yahan meter system nahi chalta”.  Similar flat-rate demands were observed at auto stands in Ulwe, where meters were not switched on.