Chennai Auto

This is in reponse to PK's post in his blog. You can find it here and here

The problem is not just with auto drivers. If it is then making india a better place to live becomes very easy. Sadly the problem is in the way people think. Everybody looks for extra money. Many of them are willing to pay more to get extra benefits. Its a vicious cycle.
An auto driver would be happy to take a clean shaven north indian guy and a beautiful girl accompanying him (IT people) as they wouldnt be questioning him much on the fare rather than taking a common man who bargains for 5 rubees.
Making it corporate wont change a persons mentality. For example let us assume you buy some items from a big company and ask for home delivery. the person who delivers the stuff looks for some extra money. If you dont give he is unhappy.
This is what will happen if you make it corporate also. Individual drivers will look for something extra. How much extra will make them happy?Someone will be happy with whatever you give. Someone will demand more.
Can education solve this problem? I dont know. From I have seen educated people lacking common sense.
With the present auto system also you can see some very good drivers who dont trouble you much.
I have heard of the concept of prepaid taxi system. This was tried out in Airport and Chennai Central. I dont think it was a success. When you are waiting in the queue drivers try to drag you to their taxi without having to go through the agency.
Only in India we have to come up with rules and regulations to do a thing which is common sense.

BTW I like the opening sequence in Reservoir Dogs where they discuss about the concept of Tips