2 June : The Dimapur District Regional Transport Authority recently held a meeting at the DC’s Conference Hall for implementation of auto rickshaw meter, wearing of uniform and name tag/badge by the auto drivers to provide better security for the drivers and also to the passengers. This will enable the enforcing agencies to implement traffic rules more efficiently and also discourage the auto drivers to charge abnormal rates to the passengers.
Deputy Commissioner & Chairman, District Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Dimapur, Maongwati Aier who chaired the meeting said that it is mandatory for the state government to implement regulations like fixation of rates for auto fare and use of uniform and said that it is high time for Dimapur to have proper fare and meter system. He appealed to the various civil societies (NGOs) and Auto Union for full co-operation for implementation of the state government policy for better public transport system which will benefit the public and also encourage tourists visiting from outside the state for the state revenue.
During the meeting the Board discussed in detail the implementation of wearing uniform and badge by the auto rickshaw drivers and resolved on use of auto meter in all the passenger auto rickshaws to have a uniform fare system. The Board entrusted Dimapur District Administration, District Transport Officer (DTO), Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Traffic, Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), Dimapur District Auto Driver Union (DDADU), Dimapur Auto Owners Union and Naga Women Hoho Dimapur to examine and fix the rate.
After thorough study and running on trial basis from point to point, the above mentioned members agreed to fix the rate of auto fare meter as follows. The fare for the first initial distance (1.8 Kms) will be Rs 15, after the initial distance is covered the fare for every additional meter’s distance covered will be Re 0.90 paise. The halting charge will be Rs 1 per minute. Night charge of the auto fare will be of 50% above the fixed rate.
The board also resolved not to permit registration and issue route of permits to auto rickshaw (passenger vehicles) till further notice. The Board has also resolved to issue show cause notice to the banking and financing institutions for not complying with the notice issued earlier to them to restrict the issue of permits and registration of auto rickshaws within the administrative jurisdiction of Dimapur district. The Board informed all banking and financing institutions operating in Dimapur district to seek permit assurance certificate before granting loans to any individuals or groups for purchase of auto rickshaws to avoid complications in getting their autos registered.
The feasibility for setting up of LPG connection for commercial auto rickshaw passenger vehicles is also under study for implementation. Use of auto rickshaw meters and uniforms with name tag will come in force from 3rd of August 2009.