The present arrangement in which the permit owners let the drivers to operate on a shift basis on a compensation of Rs 150 to Rs 200 for the absentee auto lord puts a tremendous pressure on the drivers and they become extremely over cautious in using the gas to get the earnings required for the survival of his family  after meeting the auto lord charges, gas charges,  and daily personal survival expenses .

This illegal system under which the essential public transport  auto  service is being run by circumventing the laws need to be put an end. Authorities cannot turn a blind eye to this corrupt practice . The permit system was introduced to provide self employment but   the few  who have  the money power hijacked the system and commuters are now at the mercy of all who run this illegal trade through absentee auto lords.

People who are in the know of things say Auto permits are even leased out for a period of 3 years for a sum ranging from Rs 80000 to Rs 100000.

The shift and the leasing  arrangements has created the absentee auto lords who are merrily taking every one  for a ride. Auto drivers refuse to ply a particular roue since it is not economical. Commuters are frustrated and harassed while auto lord enjoy the shift charges at the end of the day without any qualms. The next day is another day of arguments and  hassles for the auto drivers and commuters while  the auto lords  can stay cool.

Thus unless the illegal shift system in the auto trade is  ended and  only drivers who own the permit ply the autos the pressure to earn for the lords will continue. Tampering the meters to earn that few extra bucks to survive  is still on. Commuters continue to pay more for the journey and are left at the mercy of these inhuman permit owners who have circumvented the law.

Refusals to ply , meter tampering, overcharging are just symptoms. The disease is the illegal auto lordism.

Of course in the near long run mass carrying capacity buses must replace autos if  we mean easing of traffic in Mumbai .