We came out of the hotel, in Chennai, and were greeted by the auto drivers. “Auto sir?” We walked towards the auto. “Where do you want to go?” “Mylapore.” “How much?” “₹150.” “What, it is only a little more than 1 km, then why ₹150”. “OK. How much will you give?” “₹50, “₹100.” “No, ₹50.” “No.”
(The above and following conversations, if one translates into Tamil and reads, the impact will be many times, for this is Madras Tamil).
We walked away and then launched the ride hailing app and selected our destination and mode as “auto”. We patiently waited because the app had gone for a spin in searching for the driver. Finally, we got acceptance from one honourable auto driver. “Tring”. My mobile rang. It was the auto driver. “Where do you want to go?” “Mylapore tank.” “Cash payment?” “No, online.”
