Despite the introduction of the meter system in auto-rickshaws, charging fares above the meter readings is still persistent with commuters blaming it on drivers.

These drivers blame it on the CNG owners, time limits and the ineffectiveness of the meter system and authorities blame the indifference of both the public and the CNG drivers.

Commuters say that drivers ask for a little more than the metered fare when there is a traffic jam or when commuters are accompanied by young children all ready to go to festivals. They also take a chance at spots where vehicles are scarce or when commuters are students carrying books.

Some even allege that drivers wilfully manipulate the meters while some others use meters meant for taxicabs.

The drivers in turn justified the higher charge stating that they have to operate for a limited number of hours, yet pay the owners a daily rent of Tk 300 600, in addition to Tk 60-80 for fuel.

The drivers work on shift basis -- from 7am to 7pm or to 9pm.

A lot of time is wasted at traffic jams and I have to make it up by charging a higher fare as I have to pay the regular rent, no matter how many trips I have made or the amount I earned," said a CNG driver.

Many auto-rickshaws are found either operating with faulty meters or no meters at all. The drivers of such vehicles said that meters frequently go out of order and repairing them cost between Tk 200 to 600.

"We can operate on meter readings if owners reduce the rent and increase the hours of a shift," said another CNG driver.

"Charging fares in excess of meter readings is against BRTA regulation regardless of the excuses drivers give," said a Communications ministry official, who travels by CNG himself.

He admitted that he often gives in by paying an extra Tk 10 above the meter reading as this amount does not make much difference to him.

When contacted, the deputy police commissioner of DC Traffic, Firoz Al Mujahid Khan, said they were aware of the problem but people hardly call on the complaint hot lines.

"A phone call alone is not enough to solve the problem, as no action can be taken without a written complaint," he said.

A written complaint requires the date, place and time of the incident along with the registration number of the vehicle and the name of the driver, adding that finding out the name of the driver is not a problem as CNG drivers wear a specified uniform.

Khan said the action that would be taken against drivers' accused of malpractices is the cancellation of the road permit forever.

Commuters' response to written complaints varied.

"When I get into a CNG to fetch my daughter, my only concern is to bring her back home safely. At no point of time do I have the patience nor the frame of mind to think of the driver's name or registration number," said a commuter from Elephant Road.

"I can't waste my time hassling over the fare when I have to attend a class," said a private university student.

Another commuter said even if he gets the registration number of the vehicle finding out the name of the driver would be a problem.

"The driver could refuse to give me his name or give me a false name," said another commuter.

When asked about the effectiveness of filing a written complaint, the commuter replied that to his knowledge rules do not exist in Bangladesh.

"What can we expect from filing a traffic complaint in a country where bigger criminals go unpunished?" questioned another commuter.