While several Bangaloreans face their share of auto-related problems everyday, most simply comfort themselves with the knowledge that something might be done about it someday — rather than take up the issue in a more proactive way.
And although the Bangalore Traffic Police website provides a helpline to complain about such issues, many commuters are still unaware of such an option; the few who do know about it do not believe that it will have any impact.
The Traffic Police website proudly announces the numbers which one can call or text to register a complaint.
M A Saleem, additional commissioner of police (traffic), says, "We started this service last year and I can proudly say that no city has such an effective management of complaints. Usually, the tedious process of going to a police station to file an FIR is followed — but this option has cut down a lot of work."
There are some people who believe that no action is taken in the specific complaints that they have registered.
But Saleem says that by logging on to the website, it's possible to keep track of the details of the cases they have lodged.
S Bhagwath, sub-inspector of traffic police at the Traffic Management Centre, says, "We need people to understand and use these options more often, as only a regular flow of complaints can help us manage this situation. Once complaints are registered in the system, action can be taken. Up till November 2012, we have received 1046 cases via IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) and 1143 cases via SMS."
However, not many people are convinced that any action is taken against errant auto drivers at all.
Anusha John, an assistant manager of a firm, says, "Since there are no direct buses to the area where I work, I have to depend a lot on autos. And even though the journey should technically cost only Rs 30, auto guys demand Rs 70 or above most of the time."
She adds, "I went to the Bangalore Traffic Police Facebook page, and had a look at the numbers to register a complaint. I have actually sent in e-mails to the traffic police stations — but so far, I'm not sure what action has been taken, since the same auto drivers are still at the auto-stand, going about with the same demands."
So what can be done about the need to be heard? Sharmista B S, a homemaker, says, "There should be regular monthly forums, where people can meet to discuss the cases attended to. To be frank, women are the most affected by such issues and something needs to be done."
She adds, "The routes I travel are usually the same and so, I'm aware of the rates. I keep sending in complaints and encouraging others to use them, since that is the only way we will be heard, whether action is taken against the drivers or not."
Karteek Bhatt, an investigation auditor, says, "I keep sending SMSes whenever I see an offence taking place. Most people get discouraged, since they're not sure of
what action is being taken about their complaints."
He adds, "A monthly update of what's happening with each case — and repeated offenders having their licences revoked for a while — would possibly make a
difference."
And although the Bangalore Traffic Police website provides a helpline to complain about such issues, many commuters are still unaware of such an option; the few who do know about it do not believe that it will have any impact.
The Traffic Police website proudly announces the numbers which one can call or text to register a complaint.
M A Saleem, additional commissioner of police (traffic), says, "We started this service last year and I can proudly say that no city has such an effective management of complaints. Usually, the tedious process of going to a police station to file an FIR is followed — but this option has cut down a lot of work."
There are some people who believe that no action is taken in the specific complaints that they have registered.
But Saleem says that by logging on to the website, it's possible to keep track of the details of the cases they have lodged.
S Bhagwath, sub-inspector of traffic police at the Traffic Management Centre, says, "We need people to understand and use these options more often, as only a regular flow of complaints can help us manage this situation. Once complaints are registered in the system, action can be taken. Up till November 2012, we have received 1046 cases via IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) and 1143 cases via SMS."
However, not many people are convinced that any action is taken against errant auto drivers at all.
Anusha John, an assistant manager of a firm, says, "Since there are no direct buses to the area where I work, I have to depend a lot on autos. And even though the journey should technically cost only Rs 30, auto guys demand Rs 70 or above most of the time."
She adds, "I went to the Bangalore Traffic Police Facebook page, and had a look at the numbers to register a complaint. I have actually sent in e-mails to the traffic police stations — but so far, I'm not sure what action has been taken, since the same auto drivers are still at the auto-stand, going about with the same demands."
So what can be done about the need to be heard? Sharmista B S, a homemaker, says, "There should be regular monthly forums, where people can meet to discuss the cases attended to. To be frank, women are the most affected by such issues and something needs to be done."
She adds, "The routes I travel are usually the same and so, I'm aware of the rates. I keep sending in complaints and encouraging others to use them, since that is the only way we will be heard, whether action is taken against the drivers or not."
Karteek Bhatt, an investigation auditor, says, "I keep sending SMSes whenever I see an offence taking place. Most people get discouraged, since they're not sure of
what action is being taken about their complaints."
He adds, "A monthly update of what's happening with each case — and repeated offenders having their licences revoked for a while — would possibly make a
difference."