Auto Strike ... Yeah!

Bangalore breathed easy today as the Auto rickshaws went on strike. Not having to deal with them while on foot or in any other hydrocarbon guzzling contraption was a relief.. but I was curious as to why they were on strike and The Hindu, South India's left leaning broadsheet had this to say:

The main grouse of local auto rickshaw drivers is the recent inclusion of eight clauses in Vehicle Permit Conditions by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Bangalore.

• These conditions include parking at designated places in a queue; (yes..the right lane is for driving, not haggling with passengers)
  
• taking the shortest route; (Preferably not via Goa)
  
• refraining from taking a third-party; (really the drivers seat was designed for one only!)
  
• not demanding excess fare; (I really don't want to sign over my inheritance to reach home)
  
• using only the recommended fuel or LPG kit;
  
• updating address in RC books within 30 days
  
• changing ownership records within 14 days
  
• not refusing to ply without "valid reasons."

Not only that, the intelligent souls are also opposed to the recently introduced (dedicated) lane-system for auto rickshaws.
right........obviously not the brightest crayons in the pack...

The protest was against the introduction of "new" laws which begs the question..did they think they were legally allowed to "take the longest possible route" and "demand excess fare"??

Welcome to the Idiotic Transportation capital of India!

Footnote: I'd love to get my hands on whatever the auto walla's have been smoking!