They call them Autos, others Bajajs while some call them tuktuks in Sri Lanka Well whatever you wish to call them, auto rickshaws would amuse any foreign visitor to Bangalore. When I saw an auto, the first time I came to Bangalore, I was amused by its make and wondered whether it was a customized version of a scooter. It can really be fascinating to take a ride in an auto for the first time, no wonder Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolly could not withstand the longing to take a ride in an auto while in Mumbai in spite of the numerous paparazzi. An auto rickshaw is mostly used in south Asian countries and it's a very useful mode of transport especially in large cities where taxis and car hire services charge are exorbitant.

Tuk tuk or auto rickshaw encounters are numerous and vary with individuals, and I assume you have encountered a few nagging episodes with autos and the most likely one being that they stubbornly refuse to use meters. If you have not yet experienced how auto drivers can be as difficult to handle as trying to light wet fire wood, you don't have to go too far, you only need to go to the auto stand just opposite the main gate of GCC. Well, you are certainly not the only one likely to be irritated by their tendencies. I have gone through it numerous times and it's most irritating when other auto drivers too concur with one another not to use meters even within the city limits. Considering my poor bargaining skills, I normally move about to find another auto that would use meter and if all proves otherwise, I would then choose one with the least chargeable fare. Normally, if am aware of the metered fare to my destination I would not accept any price higher by more than half. Auto drivers or 'autos' as you may call them are all alike in their unlikeness.

On one of my weekend outings, I decided to visit a couple of friends who stay in Banashankari. I boarded an auto from Kamanahalli and after much persuasion the driver agreed to use the meter. I was not so sure of the shortest route to Banashankari but I knew some land marks. I was taken for a ride in Bangalore like I was on sight seeing and on arrival the meter was reading an astonishing figure which I repeatedly disputed. Helpless as I was, I knew I was going to pay for it no matter how much I protested