Union seeks ban on low-cost rival

The general secretary of the union, Mr P.K. Sukumaran, in his petition, stated that Namma Auto was plying for a minimum fare of Rs 25 for the first 1.8 km and Rs 12 for every additional km. A few months ago, when the autorickshaw drivers, affiliated to the Left parties, announced their own metered tariff for operating auto services, the transport officials stopped them.

"Now, how have the transport department officials granted permission for the launch of Namma Auto in Coimbatore with their fares?" The petition also stated that permission granted to Namma Auto has enraged the auto drivers of the union. They also alleged that the Namma Auto board that the autos carried was a means to advertise and they queried if they had acquired the necessary permission to do so.

CITU has, on behalf of the auto rickshaw union, also sought action against B11 inspector Salai Rama Sakthivel for not permitting them to park autos in front of Sengaliappan Hospital, near NSR Road junction. "Despite several representations made to the collector, DC L&O and DC traffic, the inspector is not permitting them to park their vehicles in front of the hospital. The livelihood of nearly 15 auto drivers, who take turns to park their vehicles for trips in front of the hospital, is badly affected," the CITU said.

The Union has also alleged that the inspector brought the autos to the station, abused, harassed and humiliated the auto drivers.