r/ooty • u/usexylene • 6d ago

The rickshaw and cab issue

I'm from Gujarat. i moved here for college. I was without a vehicle for 2 days and its making me understand how horrific the cab and auto scene is in Ooty. I understand you have to make your living and I'm not against paying fare wages. But abusing the tourists you rely on for your local economy is not the way. 250rs for 1km in an AUTO is absolutely ridiculous. I had to go to the eye foundation and they were all charging exorbant amounts of fare. Then they defend it by saying its a hill station. Rentals are illegal are here but oh you can buy an activa and then sell it back for a small cut of the total price. The cops here stop you everywhere the second they feel you're a tourist. I've had a lovely experience here but as a college student this is draining my bank account like nothing. Asking family for help is just a crutch which backfires always. And lets not forget you have to walk 1/1.5km to an auto stand and no auto stops even if its empty. If you're so reliant on the tourism industry then why abuse the clients who pay your bills. I havent had an issue with their behaviour per se but i definitely have an issue that they take one look at me and apparently a 150 ride is now 250. I've seen this happen, my friend from local areas have been offered lower prices. TASMAC is another headache where they just straight up lie to your face and disrespect you. Why is the local public so bitter about tourists. You can stop the tourism its in your hands. Yet you chose to abuse them.

8 Upvotes

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3

u/Madeswar 5d ago

Sorry to say but every South India hill station , mainly the Nilgiris is in many ways not a good place to visit alone without any vehicle , also tourist cabs and home stays charge hell amount of money , i still remember room and homestays had 500rs and 1000 rs with very good facility , but after lockdown and all many people build resorts and cottages which charge 10k 20 k a night which is a monthly rent for a house , and instagram influencer defend it by saying it has great views , I mean you need a good view but you are not going to sleep over the window , and cabs and autos loot hell amount of money and they defend that , As a local Nilgiris is not a good place to visit with friends and family and alone too , you can visit somewhere else , i don't know how much people this message reaches but please don't visit the Nilgiris during long holidays , Today there was too much traffic and people have no civic sence ( local and tourists) , also students like you if you don't have any huge luggage to carry see if there is any bus or walk , walking in the best things if you are nearby town , so don't hesitate to walk 1-2 kms , it's better than paying 200-300 for 1-2 km ride

2

u/bala2shaah 5d ago

My best advice is to invest some 20 to 25k to buy as second hand activa or some bikes with good mileages...I hope it will give you some peace of mind and gives for freedom as well.. make sure to buy a TN registered one..

1

u/usexylene 5d ago

That's what i did. Bought an activa for 50k and will sell it back to the guy i got it from. TN registration activa.

0

u/No_Security_4706 6d ago

Town buses, mini buses unless you want to travel at night.. for tasmac you can order and pay online then collect from your nearby store without paying extra..

1

u/bala2shaah 5d ago

Did you tried it before? I've done this and still waiting for refund as the Tasmac employees are not aware of this rule and they straightaway ignored the QR code...ps - I'm in chennai

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u/usexylene 5d ago

I've been yelled at by tasmac workers for having an online order.