MUMBAI: The transport department is considering the option of allowing autorickshaws and taxis to hike fares by Rs 2 and Rs 3, respectively. At the same time, it is also looking at the possibility of freezing auto and taxi permits issued across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The decision for the fare hike will be taken at a Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) meeting on December 22, sources said.
An MMRTA official said, "We have prepared a proposal for a fare hike which has been pending for both taxis and autos for the past five years. This will be discussed at the meeting. MMRTA has already approved the Khatua Committee formula for calculating hikes and any hike will be solely based on it."
While the official refused to disclose the proposed hike, sources said the minimum auto fare could be increased from Rs 18 to Rs 20 and the kaali-peeli taxi fare from Rs 22 to Rs 25.
Commuter rights activists are opposed to the hike as refusal and overcharging by rogue drivers are still rampant. "Citizens need affordable public transport and it will not be advisable to hike fares at this juncture-the Covid pandemic," said commuter activist Gaurang Vora, adding the government should instead provide a financial package to the drivers and also introduce few welfare schemes. "Why put the burden on commuters?" he asked.
Mumbai Autorickshawmen's Union leader Shashank Rao had recently demanded the government give a financial package of Rs 10,000 per month to auto drivers in distress and also waive the EMI interest for the lockdown months.
A L Quadros from Mumbai Taximen's Union said several drivers faced financial trouble during Covid, and the fare hike will give them relief as it will boost their earnings. His union had twice submitted a petition to the government, demanding a minimum fare of Rs 25 for kaali-peeli taxis, which are fewer than 20,000. There are 2.3 lakh autos in the suburbs.
Navbharatiya Shiv Vahtuk Sanghatana led by Haji Arafat Shaikh is also in favour of an increase in fares to improve the condition of poor the drivers.
The decision to freeze permits for autos and taxis will be discussed in detail, an official said, adding even legal opinion was being sought. There has been a rise in the number of autos on the road and with competition, earnings have been badly hit, sources said. On the other hand, there has been no growth in kaali-peeli taxis and there is little demand for this permit.
Auto drivers said they have been suffering for five years as there has not been a single paise hike despite the rise in fuel cost, maintenance, insurance, and overheads. Many said they had no earnings during the lockdown and have exhausted savings.