Rain & high travel fares slow down daily commute
2
Hyderabad: Erratic rain spells have thrown daily travel into disarray, with commuters struggling to book autos or cabs. Ride-hailing apps are showing fewer vehicles, longer wait times, and inflated fares, sometimes nearly double the usual rates, especially during peak hours.
For many, even short trips now cost much more than before. Sowmya Reddy, 25, from Kukatpally, said she has been paying almost twice her usual fare for the past three days. "I normally get an auto to my office in Banjara Hills for Rs 180–200, but this morning it showed around Rs 500. Yesterday, I waited 25 minutes for a driver to accept my booking. Just to get a ride in these rains, I end up adding Rs 100 as a tip," she said.
Drivers blame flooded streets, poor visibility, and heavy traffic for avoiding certain areas.
Srinivas, an auto driver from the western part of the city, said, "In some lanes and main roads, water reaches up to the footrest. If it enters the engine, the auto stops. Repairs cost Rs 500 to 1,000, which is more than my day's earnings."
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Mohammed Saleem, who drives in Tolichowki, said rains often mean longer hours for less pay. "A trip that takes 15 minutes normally can take 40 minutes in rain. If it is meter fare, there is no extra pay for lost time.
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Wet roads also make braking harder. It is safer to stick to less flooded areas," he explained.
Passengers say fare surges and cancellations are making travel unpredictable
. Anjali M from Cherlapalli said, "I usually travel to Secunderabad for Rs 80 to 90. Yesterday it showed Rs 250–280, and even then no one accepted the ride. Maybe there should be rules to control fares during rains."
Susmitha Meekala from Madhapur added, "Today, one auto driver charged me Rs 90 but took a wrong route. Many refuse bookings or demand at least Rs 50 extra before moving." With no respite from the rains in sight, commuters and drivers remain stuck in a monsoon tug-of-war, one over flooded streets, mounting repair costs, and spiralling fares.
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