Mumbai: Implement fare hike after recalibrating taxi, auto meters, says consumer body

Taxi and auto trade unions had sought a fare hike due to the rising cost of CNG. File pic

The Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, one of the city's oldest consumer bodies, has called for the recalibration of taxi and autorickshaw meters in a time-bound manner before the implementation of the fare hike.

"Last time, fares were hiked first and then the meters were calibrated. Tariff cards hadn't been printed either. Doing such things leaves a window for taxi and auto drivers to cheat innocent citizens," Shirish Deshpande of Mumbai Grahak Panchayat said.

He added, "Last time, multiple fake tariff cards had been printed and newcomers to the city were duped. This should not be repeated this time. Hence, we have appealed to the transport authorities to allow taxi and auto unions to complete the recalibration of meters in a time-bound manner and print new rate tariff cards. Once the process is complete, fares should be allowed to be hiked."

Also read: Mumbai: Maharashtra govt assures hike, taxi-auto unions call off strike

Transport department officials said that the fare hike had been assured and that a formal decision will be taken at the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) meeting next week, after which they will examine how the process to finalise tariff cards and recalibration of meters can be taken up so as not to inconvenience commuters. The minimum fare of taxis and autos is expected to go up by Rs 3 and Rs 2, respectively, which translates to Rs 28 and Rs 23, from October 1.

Taxi and auto trade unions had sought a fare hike due to a series of increases in the rates of CNG over the past two years. While Mumbai Taximen's Union leader Anthony Quadros welcomed the decision, Mumbai Automen Union chief Shashank Sharad Rao rejected it, saying that the hike was minimal in light of the sustained rise in CNG prices over the past few years.

28
Expected minimum fare (in rupees) for taxis from October 1