In the bustling streets of Pune, a curious phenomenon is unfolding—a defiance of basic economic principles by the city’s autorickshaw drivers. Despite the overwhelming supply of over 1.7 lakh registered three-wheelers, many drivers are shying away from short-distance fares, much to the frustration of residents like Fatimanagar’s Parimal Sah.
The Dilemma of Short Trips
Parimal Sah’s weekends have become exercises in patience and endurance. His two-kilometer weekend journeys to the tennis coaching center with his children are wrought with frustration, as auto drivers repeatedly refuse the short distance. This echoes a broader issue faced by many, like Anand, who struggles to find a willing driver for his relatively short commutes along FC Road and Ganeshkhind Road.
Economic Discontent among Drivers
What seems an irrational economic choice for Sah and Anand makes sense to drivers like Vipul Pardhe at the airport. “High CNG prices and low passenger numbers drive us to hold out for longer trips,” Pardhe explains. A long trip may yield Rs300 to Rs400, while a series of short trips might seem less profitable—at least from their perspective.
Ignoring Supply-Demand Logic
The sheer number of three-wheelers should, in theory, dictate a more competitive market, benefiting consumers and aligning with the economics of supply and demand. Yet, auto driver Shafiq Patel, president of Azad Rickshaw Chalak Sanghatna, observes that many drivers overlook the potential earnings of multiple short trips, choosing instead to hope for lucrative, long journeys.
Authority Inaction and Drivers’ Mindset
The local RTO’s recent promise of a crackdown on non-compliant drivers remains vague. As Pune RTO Archana Gaikwad mentions, the drive against obstinate drivers is on hold due to personnel shortages. This pause has left drivers like those in the Kondhwa area openly mocking attempts at regulatory intervention, benefitting from perceived impunity.
Potential for Resolution
Ultimately, the solution may lie in realigning driver incentives and increasing enforcement. However, as Sah and countless others continue their tedious weekend treks under the hot sun, the economic conundrum remains unresolved, stirring public discourse on the future of city transportation.
As stated in Times of India, the persistent mismatch between supply and demanded service highlights the enduring challenge of creating an efficient urban commute system in growing Indian cities.
