The sudden halt of prepaid autorickshaw services across key transit hubs in Kochi has left commuters grappling with inflated fares and unreliable transport options. Key stations like Ernakulam Junction, Town Railway Station, Palarivattom, and Vyttila Mobility Hub have seen prepaid kiosks shut down, with no resolution in sight. Commuters, especially daily travellers and tourists, have expressed frustration over paying fares significantly higher than metered rates.
The impasse began as autorickshaw unions, demanding fare revisions, withdrew their services from prepaid counters. This has compounded the challenges for the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), which is conducting special drives to penalise drivers refusing to use fare meters. Regional Transport Officer Jerson P.K. highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue and called for better collaboration between the railways, police, and MVD to revive prepaid counters. District Collector NSK Umesh also assured follow-ups with officials to investigate the situation further.
From a civic perspective, the absence of prepaid kiosks exacerbates the lack of structured fare regulation in Kochi. RTI activist T.N. Prathapan recounted his experience of being overcharged—a common plight for many in the city. He noted the stark difference in regulatory efficiency compared to cities like Thrissur, where fare meters are strictly enforced. The situation underscores the need for robust governance mechanisms to ensure equitable services for residents and visitors alike.
On the sustainability front, the shutdown of prepaid kiosks disrupts an essential urban mobility system, pushing more commuters towards private vehicles, increasing congestion and carbon emissions. Ensuring accessible and affordable autorickshaw services is critical for sustainable urban transport in Kochi. Addressing this requires concerted efforts by the government, unions, and enforcement agencies to strike a balance between fair compensation for drivers and commuter convenience.