Appeals for keeping the order in ‘abeyance’
Dimapur, April 29 (MExN): The Dimapur District Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union (DDADU) today appealed the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Dimapur to keep in abeyance its directive restricting Autos from ferrying more than “its seating capacity.”
The RTA Dimapur, in an order issued on April 24, had directed drivers of auto rickshaws to accommodate passengers “as per the seating capacity, and accommodating passenger beside the driver is strictly prohibited.”
Consequently, a press note from DDADU President Vitoshe Sema said that an executive meeting held along with parking in-charge, line secretaries and executive council on April 29 thoroughly discussed the issue and resolved the keep the “order in abeyance.”
While appreciating the safety directives, the Union expressed apprehension that as per the directives, the drivers might be forced to recover loss of fare due to reduced capacity from the other passengers which could create “misunderstanding between the auto drivers and passengers.”
As per the directives for instance, a family of more than three persons travelling together might have to hire another auto, DDADU further pointed out.
Due to this, difficulties and problems may arise between the drivers and the passengers, it added. In this regard, the Union fervently requested the RTA to keep its order in abeyance keeping in mind the “welfare and smooth functioning of auto drivers in particular and the public in general.”
A representative further said that said that keeping in mind the difficulties it would generate, the Union decided to keep the order in abeyance till the issue is discussed thoroughly and sorted out amicably benefiting both the passenger and the drivers.
