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I have been travelling to Madras and back by train quite often over the past few months and have had the opportunity to sample the pre-paid auto service about 5 times. The sample size might be a bit too small to make any conclusive statements, but here goes...
All my arrivals into the city have been around 5:00 a.m. by either the Bangalore Mail or the Kaveri express. Invariably there are taxi drivers and auto drivers who greet you at the exit. Invariably I refuse.
There is a reasonably long queue (30-40 people) at the pre-paid counter, but I choose to use it as it is one of the better services that I have come across. (Madras Central's pre-paid service is pathetic by comparison). I think the charges are about 25% more than the meter, but it seems worth it. I have not had any auto driver arguing at the end of the ride that what they understood as JP Nagar was something else, etc. Most of them have a nice conversation with me once they realise I speak Kannada. (One in fact told me that he prefers the night shift as he earns 50% more and gets 50% better fuel economy).
However there are the usual rogue auto drivers who try to solicit customers who are waiting in the queue. Some succeed and some don't. The policeman just watches. People ought to realize that this will succeed only if the majority use the service. So far it seems to be working. So please, use the pre-paid even if it means waiting 10 mins more.
Srivathsa 288 users have liked.
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