In a significant development, the Thane Regional Transport Office (RTO) has launched a crackdown on errant rickshaw drivers following increasing complaints of fare manipulation, refusal to pick passengers, and arbitrary behaviour. Several cases have come to light where rickshaw drivers were found overcharging passengers and tampering with meters to inflate fares.

Passengers have reported incidents where rickshaw pullers use a button to manipulate the meter, forcing passengers to pay more than the actual fare. This has resulted in disputes, especially among regular commuters. In response to these complaints, the RTO has been actively monitoring and investigating such cases. The RTO received three complaints in the month of October alone.

Regional Transport Officer Hemangini Patil informed that the RTO has launched a focused campaign to tackle these issues and ensure that errant rickshaw pullers are penalized. The action aims to prevent passengers from being extorted and restore order to the local transport system.

In an effort to further address the situation, the RTO has now introduced a helpline number—9420473969—and a dedicated email address (mho4rikshawcomplaint@gmail.com) for passengers to report such incidents. This initiative is part of the RTO's broader effort to curb the financial exploitation of Thanekars by rickshaw drivers.

Additionally, on Tuesday, the RTO took punitive action against 25 bikers who were found riding without helmets. This enforcement is part of the RTO’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety and ensure compliance with traffic regulations.

The Thane RTO has urged residents to use the newly introduced complaint channels to report any cases of overcharging or mismanagement by rickshaw drivers.