Merciless Rickshaw driver tales

Our notorious auto drivers have a way with words. Blasphemous language and derisive comments come to most of them naturally; their verbalization of words almost a tsunami of expletives waiting to happen. This band of brothers are often disliked for charging exorbitant fares. I for one have had treacherous experiences with some, though I can't rule out the better ones. Haggling with auto drivers inevitably drains my energy... it is one of those few things that takes a toll on you not just physically but also mentally. I try hard to keep my cool around them, hoping they will come around but all the effort is in vain. The ubiquitous influence and camaraderie amongst auto rickshaw drivers leaves you with limited options. Time constraints generally dictate our commuting choices unless one is located close to a bus stop or metro station or has hired a cab. That leaves us with our "honorable" auto rickshaw chalaks.
There was a time when I undertook the task of enlightening the auto driver about how much it hurt to shell out hard-earned money, over and above the true fare. "Come to think of it," I told him, "You choose to negotiate the fare/your earnings every time you take a passenger on board, whereas I don't have the option of negotiating my salary everyday, how is that fair?" Of course he didn't pay heed to my tirade, choose to look away, blurted some curse words and chugged along in his motor.
In another such instance where the auto rickshaw driver claimed a higher fare, my anger peaked, leading me to question him about the purpose of installing a meter in his vehicle. Frowning and fuming the auto fellow demanded to know If I thought I was Katrina Kaif. Of course there is no correlation between the purpose of utilizing a meter and whether I thought I was Katrina (which I definitely don't think I am), but even if I was she (Katrina Kaif) I doubt  if "Rambo's driver" (as was scribbled on the back of his auto) would've extended me the courtesy of charging fairly. I was left speechless while the guy grinned and revved up his engine, discharging a cloud of smoke in my face.
Though the worst case I can relate is that of rickshaw drivers quoting unprecedented amounts during the monsoon. This is when they really go full throttle. The situation roughly engenders a lesser mortal sentiment.
Errant drivers have the audacity to dismiss your protests, refuse to travel by meter or avoid travelling altogether, based on their convenience.
I believe at some point you have to put your foot down and become thick-skinned. On providing the due amount for an auto ride, drivers have refused to take it alleging that they won't get a passenger on their onward journey from my destination. At times like these I never yield to the pressure exerted by them and simply leave the money in the vehicle. Some have a tendency to get livid and may even follow you till the point you render the extra cash, but don't get bullied.
Unfortunately, rigged meters have now become the norm. Commuters often find themselves ill-quipped to tackle verbal assaults from auto drivers in the absence of logical reasoning for exorbitant fares. When told a complaint will be lodged against them, they appear unfazed. On one such occasion, I pledged to make the situation known to a traffic police officer, betting on a favorable outcome. Much to my dismay, the traffic officer seemed amused and told me there was nothing he could do.
Expats haven't had a joyride either with our infamous rickshaw drivers, read more: http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/1830142/report-expats-want-auto-drivers-tamed-nightlife-relaxed

An sms-your-complaint-about-auto-drivers scheme was introduced by Bangalore Traffic Police in 2011. There is no evidence to indicate the success of the scheme, however, if you would like to lodge a complaint, try this: http://www.delhitrafficpolice.nic.in/complaint-card.aspx
Though not all rickshaw drivers are out to pauperize you, some of them turn out to be courteous and just. It is a pity we don't find them often. As one of the bloggers put it, it is about being treated with respect (Read: http://nomadicsamuel.com/travel-stories/the-time-i-tipped-my-rickshaw-driver#respond, http://www.srikumar.com/family/moral_inspirational_stories/inspiring_story_an_autorickshaw_driver.htm)

So till the time our state governments come up with concrete solutions for better public transportation (considering our population is only growing), we must take the matter in our own hands. Having witnessed a staggering pace of growth for expanding the metro network (in Bangalore), I'm dubious of immediate action being taken. However, I do believe we can tackle the problem at hand (in context of auto drivers) by being thick-skinned and holding our ground on auto fares. But honestly I can't wait for multiple metro routes to be operational, that'll cut out the everyday hassle.

Fore more on rickshaw drivers, read:
http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/1786754/report-how-bangalore-s-auto-drivers-intimidate-women
http://www.artofliving.org/in-en/rehabilitating-auto-rickshaw-drivers-bangalore
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/170473/some-auto-drivers-never-learn.html