An auto-rickshaw is a three-wheel motor driven rickshaw. It can conveniently seat three passengers-even four can be huddled -- besides the driver. It usually has a green body and a yellow top. The green body of the auto-rickshaw signifies that it is runs on compressed natural gas. Auto-rickshaws are cheaper than taxis.

They are fitted with electronic fare meters. You have to pay an initial charge at the beginning of your journey. Thereafter the cost per kilometer increases in proportion to the distance covered. It is mandatory for the auto drivers to set the meters at the initial charge at the value fixed by the government before starting the rickshaw.

The meter records the distance covered and the fare accrued upon it. If a passenger wants to stop the auto-rickshaw mid way, say, to make a purchase, the meter keeps running while the rickshaw stands. The meter records the time that the passenger spends shopping. It keeps running in hired by stopped mode also called waiting time. The waiting time fare is charged on the basis of seconds or minutes per rupee.

The transport department office of Delhi Government, situated at 5/9 Hill Road, Delhi-110054, issued a notification dated 06.06.2007 whereby it fixed the rates of auto-rickshaw fares.

"From the date of publication of this notification in the official Gazette, the fares chargeable by the operators of various public service vehicles in the National Capital Territory of Delhi shall be as follows:-

(A) AUTO-RICKSHAWS:- (i) Fare = Rs.10/- for First kilometer (upon downing the meter) and thereafter Rs.4.50 per kilometer for every additional kilometer; (ii) Night Charges = 25% of the fare (11.00 PM to 5.00AM); (iii) Waiting Charges = Rs.25/- per hour or part thereof (subject to minimum of 15 minutes stay)"

Any commuter can lodge a complaint with the police against the auto driver for 1. refusal to go 2. overcharging, 3.misbehaviour and 4. harassment. The complaint can be lodged through an SMS at phone number 6767 which is easy to remember. In case of refusal to go, you have to write REF followed by the registration number of the TSR plus the time and location of the incident. Similarly you can write OVC or overcharging, MIB for misbehavior and HAR or harassment

The complaint can also be sent to the police by writing it on a paper with the details of registration number of the rickshaw, date, place and the nature of complaint.

The Delhi government also arranges pre-paid auto rickshaws from railway stations and airports.