Noida to give autos licence to ply at night

NOIDA: Finding an autorickshaw at night may be easier in Noida from April. In a major relief to commuters, the transport department has decided to amend the permit norms to allow the three-wheelers ply round-the-clock in the city.
Officials said that once the new rules come into effect, at least 33% of the city autorickshaws will have to offer night services. This means that out of 9,000 registered autorickshaws in Gautam Budh Nagar, at least 3,000 will ply in the night every day
According to the officials, it is UP's transport commissioner K Ravinder Naik who has asked the regional transport officers to bring changes in the permit provisions to ensure that autorickshaws ply in the night also.He has also asked them to ensure that each autorickshaw provides night services for at least four months in a year.
Rachna Yaduvanshi, the assistant regional transport official, (ARTO-administration) told TOI on Wednesday that a meeting will soon be convened on the issue. "All the autorickshaws will have to offer night services in shifts. At least 33% of the city's autorickshaws will have to offer night services," she said.
"We will soon discuss how to enforce the new rules. The move will come into effect from April," the ARTO added.
Autorickshaw drivers said that they have been providing night services near shopping malls and bus stands in the city. "We welcome the move which recognizes the need for auto services at night. Cops will no longer trouble autorickshaw drivers if they ply in the night," said Chaudhury Om Prakash Gurjar, president, Noida auto union.
"The move will help a number of people who use autorickshaws late in the night. At times, it becomes very difficult to return home after late-night shopping," said student Swati Singh. However, she said enforcement officials should ensure that the auto drivers follow rules and don't overcharge .