Say ‘NO’ to Auto and Taxis on August 12
The “Meter Jam” campaign launched by three advertising professionals to Say ‘NO’ to auto and taxis on August 12, 2010. Tired with auto-rickshaw and Taxi drivers’ dadagiri or monopoly, showing their unwillingness to take passengers for a small distance and meter cheating, a movement “Meter Jam” has been started by three advertising professionals.
The site (www.meterjam.com) reads;
“Why Meter JAM – Because strikes need a strike back!
We’re tired of meter that always reads more than it should, drivers who refuse to ply and demand return fare whenever they want. And if all that wasn’t enough, now we have to deal with strikes too, any time the ‘unions’ decide! Everyone is holding the janta to ransom. How much more will we pay? It’s time to turn the tables.
So on 12th August, shake your head and say NO if an auto driver offers a ride!”
The “Meter Jam” campaign launched by three adevrtising professionals Abhilash Krishnan, Jaidev Rupani and Rachana Brar online five days ago. The popularity of the Meter Jam campaign, which aims to get back at taxi and auto rickshaw drivers for refusing fares, has nearly trebled in the last two days. More than 12,500 citizens have pledged to boycott the use of autos and cabs on August 12, signing up on Facebook and twitter.
“Autowallas overcharge, refuse to go our way, and hold the city to ransom through strikes. So why can’t we – for one day – refuse them? Pool cars, take buses. Show them they can’t take us for granted.” Rohit, techie, said, “I don’t like auto drivers. As a Bangalorean I find this basic necessity involves fighting so much. I would rather walk. I like the idea that it is we who are striking back”.
More than 12,500 citizens have pledged to boycott the use of autos and cabs on August 12 (Thursday).A number of supporters have offered to drop and pick people in their localities on Thursday. On Facebook, a number of ‘jammers’ have suggested having volunteers standing at prominent points in the city to promote the campaign on Thursday.
Meanwhile, taxi and auto union leaders insist that citizens are insensitive to the problems of drivers. “The campaign is politically motivated, launched by people who want to tarnish the image of drivers,” said one auto driver, who pointed out that the law permits drivers to refuse fares if they have valid reasons. While another auto driver said. “Even if 50,000 people boycott us on August 12, our business will not be affected. So, I wish them all the best,” he added.
Source: mybangalore.com
[...] India —Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore — Meter Jam II will jam meters on October 12. The “Meter Jam” campaign was launched by three adVertising professionals Abhilash Krishnan, Jaidev Rupani and Rachana Brar [...]