Mumbai auto drivers want another fare hike, harried commuters wonder why

MUMBAI: The Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union on Thursday demanded a fare hike of at least one rupee, based on the reports of two committees that were set up to look into issues pertaining to autos and taxis. Commuters aren’t amused, given the shoddy service they receive from auto drivers.

Union leader Thamby Kurien said the Hakim and Khatua panels’ fare formulae take into account fuel price hikes, increase in maintenance costs , cost of living and other factors.

He said a delegation met transport officials recently with a fare hike petition.

Taxi unions recently petitioned the government with a fare hike demand of Rs 3 over the existing base fare of Rs 22. “Drivers are incurring losses due to a rise in fuel costs, etc,” said A L Quadros of Mumbai Taximen’s Union. A kaali-peeli fare hike will increase fares for cool cabs as well.

Auto-taxi fares haven’t been increased for three years. The last revision was in June 2015, when the minimum auto fare was increased from Rs 17 to Rs 18, and taxi from Rs 21 to Rs 22. RTO officials said a decision will be taken by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority.

Commuter rights activists are strongly opposed to any hike. “There should be a hike only if some of the conditions mentioned by the Khatua panel are fulfilled by the government,” said one. The reference is to telescopic fares, which means a decrease in fare hike with increase in distance.