Bangalore Autodrivers

I proceed to write about probably that community of Bangalore which is most hated and at the same time most sought out. Thanks to the population explosion, IT revolution and the City's infrastructure which is trying hard from years to cater to the above.

Why are the auto drivers hated? They never put on the meter. They make it a point to charge a higher multiple of the right fare. The situation is shockingly out of control in the "IT Areas". My suggestions to counter this.

1) Never accede to not running the meter until your last bit of energy.
2) Try to speak a bit of Kannada - For eg : MG Road Barteera? - Will you come to MG Road; Meter haaki - Please put on the meter;
3) Be more familiar with bus numbers and reduce your dependency. The city is trying to come up with better public transport facilities. (I'll try to get some URLs, Helplines next time)
4) Another niche technique of handling the hiking proposals - " Sir Recession Nadeetayide, Salary nu Kammi Agide.. Naanu meter ge 20 Rs kadme kodtini sir" - Sir this is recession time and my salary also dropped. I shall pay you Rs 20 less than the meter.

Jokes apart, this has not worked for me except once - where the fellow said " Meter eshtu Barutto ashtu Kodu Taayi - Eevattu Bera ne siklilla - Lady, please give me at least the meter rate. I could not get any good deal today.

To be frank, more than the success of the method, i did a couple of times, enjoy the vengeful stare of the autowaallah - Bargaining is the job of customer for heaven's sake. Thanks to one of my friends - Viseish whose idea this is originally. I do have a good time irritating the greedy fellows.

5) Try not to encourage leaving the residue 2 or 1 Rs with the driver. Do demand the balance. Not that it makes a difference to you.But it does make it to the person who can otherwise afford an auto ride and now is not able to, thanks to your over paying capacity.

6) Last but not the least - If not in a hurry, I would encourage walking over short distances(< 2 Km). It is good for health, gives a better idea of the place and also saves some 14 bucks and an additional 6-7 bucks for very few guys would come for the meter rate for short distances.