Hyped Meter Jam flops offline

The online campaign against errant taxi and auto drivers was not very successful. Was it justified and fair to all in the first place?

The main premise for Meter Jam was probably to get auto and cab drivers on the right track. However, most of the auto and cab drivers we spoke to had no clue about the campaign. Also, apart form a few working professionals and students, there wasn't much awareness about this among the public, and most of them did not care. Soon after the campaign's failure, the online world started criticising it. Though people did support the campaign, it did not garner the kind of response that was expected after all the hype.

This is quite typical of Mumbaikars, and the campaign's failure is not surprising. We hear people cribbing about taxi and auto drivers everyday for not complying with their demands. And when they do get a chance to teach errant drivers a lesson, they end up taking autos and taxis to work or college anyway. "I wanted to support the campaign, but I was getting late for work and it was pouring. My office is far from Andheri station and I had no other option but to take an auto," said Manisha S, a marketing executive.

Auto and cab drivers were not even aware of the campaign, which was restricted to online protests and support. Businessman Saumil B says, "I supported the campaign and opted for a carpool, and also give lifts to a couple of people. But, at the same time, I was many autos full of people. Mumbaikars probably can't do with out autos."

There are many people who think that striking against these people won't make a difference because people in general will not refuse them. "We need other ways to teach them a lesson. For instance, we should make it compulsory for all drivers to display the tariff card in the vehicle so people aren't cheated. The authorities should check for meter tampering once a month at least," feels Parth Mistry, a social media enthusiast.

We need workable solutions as auto and cab drivers have a constitutional right to refuse fare. They cannot always be forced to take us wherever we want. Both the sides need to be taken into consideration rather than publicising such campaigns. These matters need to be dealt with sensitively and with the help of public transport authorities, auto and taxi unions, and activists. It's better to discuss things rather than indulging in a blame game.

Youth might have been aware of the campaign, but the public at large wasn't. Even if people knew, I don't think they could stop using autos or taxis to commute. There are many who rely on them.

I knew about the campaign, but I didn't expect any major change in commuters. I could see many waiting on the road to hail a taxi. I think the BEST buses are the best option for commuting.