Those new to the Mumbai city or those who want to catch a train in a hurry are easy targets of the auto drivers. The distance of less than 1.5 km from Kurla suburban station to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, which should cost commuters Rs 23 as per the RTO meter fare chart, costs from Rs 70 to Rs 80 per person and additional money if there is luggage

At Bandra station, the rate is Rs 20 per head and additional money if there is more luggage. With three to four passengers (sometimes five) per trip, automen illegally earn Rs 400-Rs 500 for a single trip. In fact, the autos that operate here too, commuters said, are mostly assembled pieces of jugaad and don’t have permits or licences

also read: Mid-day Investigation: In Kurla, illegal share autos make Rs 500 per single trip

mid-day had run a campaign against errant autos at Kurla Terminus a few years ago, after which the station surroundings improved for a while, but now it is back to square one. When mid-day visited the station, we found that the only thing that remains from then is the fencing around the station. Autos and taxis now wait beyond the fence, unlike earlier when they would barge onto the station platforms and premises

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“Yesterday the rickshaw drivers refused to ply from LTT to Kurla station demanding high fares ranging between Rs 80 and Rs 100. This was the same with drivers standing in queues. What action will you initiate against such mass refusals?” asked a passenger, Vainta Nigoo

The RTO has opened up a number of share-auto stands, but many illegal ones have now outnumbered the official ones. Official and recognised auto union members said they too are aware of this and have been warning the authorities about them

Also Read: IN PHOTOS: At Bandra station, auto drivers demand whopping Rs 120 for 1 km