Opportunity strikes: Cab, auto triple fares

“Cabs double their fares whenever there is a bus strike. I booked an Uber cab from Egmore to Ekkaduthangal and was charged Rs 320 when the usual fare is Rs 210,” said S Kathir, a government employee. 

He added that the government should monitor such surge pricing when public modes of transport are restricted.

People who travel by shared autorickshaws also had to shell out more money on Friday. “I had to travel from Porur to Iyyappanthangal and the share auto driver demanded Rs 30 for it when the usual fare is Rs 10,” said a passenger.

In suburbs, many private buses also charged extra. “I took a private bus to Vandalur and boarded a bus proceeding from Tambaram to Chengalpattu. But, the conductor collected Rs 16, which is twice as the usual fare. The driver instructed the passengers that irrespective of where they get off, they will have to pay Rs 16,” said a commuter.