Citation

Harding SE, Badami MG, Reynolds CCO, Kandlikar M. Transp. Policy 2016; 52: 143-152.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.tranpol.2016.07.013

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Auto-rickshaws play an important role in urban transport in India. Despite this role, auto-rickshaws and their drivers face considerable criticism from the public, the media and policy makers. There is a contentious public debate about the perceived faults of auto-rickshaws and their drivers, and the policies to address these issues in Indian cities. The authors' objective is to provide balance and nuance to this debate, and to enable the perspective of drivers to be more effectively considered, along with that of auto-rickshaw users and the wider travelling public, in policy-making. To this end, they critically discuss the criticism and underlying perceptions; highlight the niche.. role of auto-rickshaws in urban transport; and present an investigation of the realities and economics of auto-rickshaw ownership and operation. The actual congestion, safety and air pollution impacts of auto-rickshaws are at strong variance with the criticisms and perceptions on the part of the public, media and policy makers. The realities of auto-rickshaw operation are extremely challenging, and unlikely to place the driver and his family above the poverty line, which may drive some of the actions, such as not going by the meter. Finally, the authors critically assess policy recommendations to address the issues related to auto-rickshaws and their drivers, and offer their own suggestions regarding open permit systems, improved access to formal sector credit, a timetable for regular fare revision and the phasing out of auto-rickshaws with two-stroke engines.

Copyright © 2016, Elsevier

Language: en