Why autos elude Pindi commuters when it rains?

For commuters in Rawalpindi, rain does not just bring puddles and traffic jams—it also means the sudden disappearance of auto-rickshaws from the roads, leaving many frustrated.

“As the first drops begin to fall, residents rushing to get home or to work are met with a familiar challenge: the elusive auto. Drivers refuse to take passengers without exorbitant fares. The shortage of available autos has become a predictable pattern during the monsoon season, but commuters say authorities continue to look the other way,” says Fareed Hussain.

“I stood at Committee Chowk for over 40 minutes in the rain. Every auto that passed was either full or quoted double the normal fare. One even asked for Rs. 800 for a ride that usually costs Rs. 300,” says Areeba Imran, a university student.

“Drivers, for their part, offer explanations rooted in economics. An auto-rickshaw driver with over a decade of experience, operating in the rain poses safety and maintenance risks that often outweigh the earnings,” says Shahbaz Ali.

“When it rains, roads become slippery, visibility drops, and the brakes don’t work properly. We do not have insurance. If there is an accident, it is all on us. Plus, the rainwater ruins the engine and electrical system, which are expensive to fix,” says an auto driver.

“Many drivers also cite clogged roads and waterlogged routes as reasons to avoid operating during downpours. Narrow lanes in inner Rawalpindi, including areas like Raja Bazaar and Dhoke Hassu, quickly flood, causing auto engines to stall mid-ride,” says Shaukat Zaidi.

“There is also a lack of proper infrastructure to support these small three-wheelers. With limited rainwater drainage in the city, autos—being low to the ground—are particularly vulnerable to stalling in even moderate flooding. Drivers say the risk is not worth the fare,” adds Shaukat.

“For residents without private cars or ride-hailing apps, the sudden disappearance of autos during rain creates a real crisis. Most of them do not have Careem or InDrive on their phones. They depend on autos every day. But when it rains, they are either walking home or standing under a bus stop for hours,” says Rizwan Naqvi, a government clerk.