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Rediff.com  » Getahead » These auto drivers were happy to help!

These auto drivers were happy to help!

By Rajesh Pillai
September 10, 2016 11:00 IST
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We'd asked you, dear readers to share your experience about taxis and autorickshaws in India.

Often we hear people complaining of auto drivers asking more money than the usual fare. But Rajesh Pillai was in for a surprise when the auto driver ended up dropping him to his destination for free.

Here he recounts two pleasant experiences he had. You can share yours too. 

old autorickshaw driver

IMAGE: Picture used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Kind Courtesy Abhisek Sarda/Creative Commons 

Once I was traveling in Bangalore. After getting down a little before Sarjapur Cross on the Ring Road, I was walking towards the signal, from where I had to take the diversion.
I casually asked an auto driver how far the next bus-stop was and he asked me to board his autorickshaw.

I told him that it (the destination) was just a few hundred metres away and continued walking.

He asked me to get on board and said that he'd drop me and I didn't need to pay him.

Surprised by this unexpected courtesy, I took the ride. I gave him a chocolate bar, which I had with me, for his kids.

On another occasion, Rajesh met an auto driver who was happy to help him. Here's what he has to say...

In Mysore, I was approached by an auto driver at the railway station.

I told him my destination. The fare he asked was just a few rupees higher than (rounded to the next 10) the prepaid tariff. So I accepted it. 

On learning that I am from the defense services, he helped me with my luggage.

I asked him not to do so and said that I shall do it myself. To which he replied, "Sir, we sleep peacefully because you stay awake at the borders. Give me a chance to serve you."

He did not accept even a single rupee extra than the agreed amount. He also happily joined me for a cup of tea after dropping me off.

Dear Readers,

What's your experience been like with auto and taxi drivers been?

Do you get rides at first request? How do you deal with arrogant drivers?

Do you think cab operators like Ola and Uber are better alternatives in your locality?

Share your views and experiences, good and bad with us. Write to getahead@rediff.co.in (subject: Auto and Taxi Woes) along with your NAME, AGE and the place you LIVE in. We'll publish the best ones right here on Rediff.com. 

Take the poll and tell us if Ola, Uber have made your lives easier?

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Rajesh Pillai
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