KARACHI, May 3: Besides deteriorating environment drivers of the noisy rickshaws plying on the city roads have come forward with other tactics to test the patience of the citizens.

They may have the meter intact on their motorized three wheelers but deem it more appropriate to ask for a fare which ought to be higher than the amount normally shown through meter.

“The meter in our rickshaw is out of order”, is the frequent excuse made by them while demanding outrageous sum from the pliers for even a short distance.

The pliers generally pertaining to middle class income group could be frequently witnessed arguing with the rickshaw drivers and bargaining over the fare.

The scenario is often complimented with a situation when the former finds that meter was too fast and refuses to pay the charges in excess.

While the traffic police department is responsible to handle the cited issues ranging from smoke emissions to noise pollution these rickshaws causes besides problems related to fleecing public under pretext of fare, citizens simply appear to be hapless with either no knowledge or sheer lack of confidence on the relevant agency.

Situation appears to be grim for Karachiites in general as the transport system that is mainly dependent on buses and coaches is already faulty due to lack of any proper mechanism besides provision for proper timings and maintenance of the vehicle itself. — APP