Kollam: In a significant move, the Kerala Transport Commissioner has announced that passengers will be entitled to free rides if the fare meter in auto-rickshaws is not functioning. 

The decision comes in response to frequent disputes between passengers and drivers over excessive charges, which have been common across the state. The new directive will come into effect starting March 1.

The directive follows a suggestion made by a Kochi native to Kerala MVD.  The circular mandates that if the fare meter is not working or is inoperative during a ride, a sticker reading "If the fare meter is not working, the journey is free" must be clearly visible to passengers. This practice is already in place in Dubai, where a similar policy is being successfully implemented.

In Kerala, the sticker must be printed in both Malayalam and English. The sticker should be placed either behind the driver's seat or visibly facing the passengers. 

The move follows growing complaints about excessive fares in certain areas. The idea of a visible sticker was proposed by K.P. Mathews Francis.

On February 24, the state transport authority discussed and approved the suggestion. Autos that do not display the sticker by March 1 will be deemed unfit during the fitness certificate test. Any auto-rickshaw found operating without the sticker will be penalized heavily if it continues to offer services.

The new guidelines will be incorporated into the fitness test requirements. Transport Commissioner Nagaraju Chakkilam issued a recent circular stressing the need for strict enforcement, ensuring that all Deputy Transport Commissioners oversee the implementation of this policy. 

Regional Transport Officers, Enforcement Officers, and Joint Regional Transport Officers have been instructed not to consider auto-rickshaws for testing if the sticker is missing.