For a change ...

Innumerable times in my daily chitchats have I heard the common refrain about the unscrupulous Bangalore autowallahs - how wicked they can get, and how avaricious they can be when they spot a helpless techie in a hurry. While I wouldn't dismiss all such talk as a bunch of hooplah (I myself have been at the receiving end at times), I always maintain that these characteristics hold true not just for the auto-drivers of Bangalore, but of all major Indian cities, and then some more.

Today, however, was a different chapter altogether. My roommate had eloped (to office, where else :P) with my bike keys (which he borrowed last night), leaving me stranded at home. And without a spare key, I figured I was going to be at the "mercy" of the dreaded auto-drivers. I flagged one down on Airport Road, and told him where I wanted to go. And only when I was sure he knew the destination did I get in the auto. (TIP 1 for novice auto-passengers: Never get into an auto unless you are sure he knows the way, or you do :D) Immediately after getting in, I asked him to set the meter (TIP 2: If {way!=known to you} {decide on fare BEFORE getting in} else {insist on meter}. Haggling after you get down is NOT an option.

As he flicked the meter, he asked me if I had the required change, showing me a crisp 100 rupee note as all he had, apart from a few coins. Since I didn't, I replied I would arrange it somehow. He went on to explain how passengers often had no change, and would be in a tearing hurry on reaching their destination, creating quite a situation.

When we reached my company, I asked him to wait outside while I got the change. Surprisingly, he was in quite a jovial mood despite the long time I took to make the jugaad. The fare was 31.50, and the clincher came as I handed him three tenners : "Leave it if you dont have the 1.50 change. Maybe some other day." I was quite amazed, for this was an example of generosity from the most unexpected quarters! The typical "vampirical" autowallah never lets go of even the last bit of change. Happily, I paid him the remaining amount, and some more.

While occurences like these might be few and far between, it only proves that the virtuous auto-driver isn't dead yet. And with those two valuable tips above, having a trouble-free auto ride should be a cinch. Bon Voyage! :D

Yenjoy.