Comments on: autorickshaws in Delhi: some practical advice

By: how to enjoy Delhi during the Commonwealth Games (despite what the media says) | Our Delhi Struggle

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 01:56:22 +0000

[...] are many more tips for taking autorickshaws in Delhi. And here’s a bonus: for the ultimate weapon in negotiation, learn how to say [...]

By: Derek

Derek — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:27:33 +0000

Thought I’d add in my experiences: I’ve had pretty good luck getting auto drivers to use the meter during the morning commute; most of them will agree without much fuss (possibly because I leave around 8:15AM, so the roads are still pretty clear). The afternoon rush hour is a different story, and for that I usually have to pay the market rate because the meter only accounts for distance traveled, not standing time (if it did, this problem might be solved). I paid Rs. 200 for my hour-long, water-soaked trip through gridlocked traffic after the giant downpour on 27 July.

Second, I have had numerous coworkers, both Indian and expat alike, tell me they have had pretty good luck badgering recalcitrant drivers into using the meter by calling the police. I’ve never tried this myself, but apparently the cops do usually show up, and most drivers will agree to use the meter once you pull out your mobile. One caveat: you have to be sitting in the auto for this to be effective, otherwise the driver will just leave.

By: shabnam

shabnam — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:33:10 +0000

So much has already been said, yet I want to add my two-penny worth. Went to New Jersey recently. Took a cab from Point A to Point B, which according to the people around (including the guy who had answered the phone at the cab company) should have been 60$, On reaching there, he asked for 120$! His explanation – the route which one normally takes had a jam so he took an alternate longer route. What would you say to this? An autorickshawalla by any other name…….. PS – Wonder if Dave and Jenny actually found something nice in all the time they were here. Would be a pity if they didn’t!

By: Prax

Prax — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:03:03 +0000

Me thinks that the whole comments turned into a post in itself… D&J are surely findin’ the discussion interstin’ and wisely not addin’ to it.

By: amit

amit — Sun, 24 May 2009 15:22:35 +0000

As an Indian and resident of Delhi, I can only say sorry.

By: Espen Antonsen

Espen Antonsen — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:06:31 +0000

I spent a couple of weeks in Delhi last year and as told by the wonderful hosts at Thikana Delhi (http://www.thikanadelhi.com/) I always insisted on using the meter. Except for tourists zones I was given the meter charge 4 out of 5 times. I spent most of my time around GK II, Khan Market and central Delhi.

I hate touts and over-charging taxi drivers (KL is the worst I have come across). Also I dislike ignorant tourists who compare the fare with the amount in their home country. But I do however strongly encourage tipping for honest and decent drivers who charge by the meter.

By: Aditi

Aditi — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:30:46 +0000

@Purnima

I do not agree with you. Auto drivers will overcharge as long as they can and you allow them to. Bargaining for 10rs or 20rs is the first step and yes even I would gloat over it. Small beginnings u see. I remember taking an auto because I was getting late for school and the guy overcharged me by 100% leaving me with no cash at all for the rest of the day and all this even after I thought I had bargained.

They always over charge because they know ppl bargain and the rate after that is anyway higher than the base charge.

By: Rakesh Agarwal

Rakesh Agarwal — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:02:26 +0000

Sure! I forgive!

By: Anon

Anon — Wed, 06 May 2009 09:54:46 +0000

I am a girl too but going around trolling someone else’s blog is not a signature style of the gender, I assure you

So yours is an incomplete explanation (not to mention a random slur)

Miss P has just started her blog and this is her way of generating traffic. Forgive them O Lord… etc.

By: Anon

Anon — Wed, 06 May 2009 09:54:02 +0000

I should have known when I saw 22 comments that it was mostly going to be someone riled by a ‘white’ person criticising what Indians criticise all the time. I mean, seriously…

I usually log into WP and leave a trail but Jenny, this time, for fear of attracting this troll to my blog – since she reads many of the blogs I have been reading for the last 3-4 years – I shall remain anonymous.