Autorickshaw rush at new Trichy bus terminus leaves drivers waiting for hours
Instead of streamlining fares, the glut of autos and poor passenger demand have led to overcharging in some cases. While 250 autorickshaws from the Central Bus Terminus were allocated space at KKBT's front entrance, another 300 from nearby areas like E Pudur and Crawford were directed to the rear entrance.
"Autorickshaw unions from across the city approach us daily for space at KKBT. Though we cannot deny them outright, the overcrowding is making business unsustainable," a senior corporation official said.
Authorities have clarified that no auto stands will be permitted within the terminus itself. For now, drivers park in long queues outside both entrances.
However, with the terminus well-connected by city buses to Central and Chathiram bus stands, many solo travellers and low-income passengers prefer public transport. Families often disembark at stops like Mannarpuram or TVS Tollgate to reach the city core, further reducing demand for autos at Panjapur.
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"I waited six hours for my first ride today. Many inexperienced drivers have also taken slots here and are overcharging passengers," said R Murugesan, an AITUC-backed auto driver.
The queue system further delays subsequent rides, prompting some drivers to overcharge by ₹100-₹150 just to make ends meet. Fares to places like the airport or Srirangam can touch ₹600-₹700, depending on passenger urgency.
"The district administration should introduce pre-booked auto services through apps or counters to regulate fares. Unscrupulous drivers could tarnish the reputation of the new terminus," warned consumer rights activist H Ghouse Baig.
Authorities expect that some autos may leave the terminus voluntarily as poor demand persists. Meanwhile, RTO officials said no formal complaints about fare fleecing have been received so far.
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