Mumbai: Transport committee to discuss fare hike on Monday

The government has proposed a Rs 3 hike on the minimum fare for taxis

The state-appointed transport committee will meet on Monday to decide fare hikes for taxis and autos in Mumbai. While a section of auto unions is opposed to any hike in the rate on grounds that it will cripple their already-affected business, taxi unions have softened their stand after initially resisting it.

The govt has proposed a Rs 2 hike on the minimum fare for autos

Sources said that even if the hikes are sanctioned, it may not happen immediately. The state has proposed raising the minimum fare for autos from Rs 18 to Rs 20 and for taxis from Rs 22 to Rs 25 in Mumbai region.

Auto union leaders said that they had met the transport minister Diwakar Raote, but never demanded a fare hike. Mumbai Automen leader Shashank Sharad Rao said they had placed five demands that did not include the fare hike. "The government is offering a hike just to cover up these issues [the unions' demands]. It is important at present to survive and a hike will further ruin business," he said.

Taxi unions agreed. "What the government can do instead is give us sops and help our business. The lockdown has been a difficult time for us and there are already fewer commuters. If there is a hike in fares at this stage, it will lead to further alienating commuters, said Mumbai Taximen's Union leader Anthony L Quadros.

Asked what will be their stand as the government has already planned a hike and the minister too had announced it, Quadros said they will have no choice but to accept it.

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Proposed new base fare for autos