Brace for a steep hike in auto and taxi fares

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Travelling in autorickshaws will soon become an expensive affair in Delhi. According to the Delhi government transport department’s proposal, which is likely to be tabled in the Cabinet meeting on Monday, passengers will end up paying for at least two kilometres of journey even if they take an auto for a kilometre or so.

“There are three proposals so far for the rise in fares; one is of ten per cent increase, the other is of 25 to 30 per cent increase while the last is of 35 to 40 per cent increase in the fares of autos and taxis,” said a source in the Delhi government. Reliable sources added that one of the three proposals will finalised and officially announced on Monday.
“The proposals on hikes in auto and taxi fares have been decided after talking to the various unions of the auto and taxi drivers,” said a Delhi government official, who added so far, it seems that the proposal for an increase in between 35 to 40 per cent will be finalised. However, Delhi transport commissioner Mr R.K. Verma refused to comment on the fare hikes.
Autorickshaws currently charge Rs 10 for the first kilometre and Rs 4.50 for each kilometre travelled thereafter. Sources in the transport department said the base fare is likely to be increased to anywhere between Rs 15 and Rs 20. The metre will start ticking only after the first two kilometres of travel.
“With substantial increase in the base fare, the problem of autorickshaws refusing short distance passengers will be tackled,” said a senior transport department official, under a condition of anonymity.
“We have studied fare structure applicable in 3-4 metro cities in the country and prepared our proposal accordingly. Since the autorickshaws will have to spend Rs 10,000-15,000 on installation of a global positioning system (GPS) devise and pay for its recurring expenditure, we have taken that into account while preparing our proposal,” said a transport ministry official.
Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit said, “the transport minister has been asked to finalise the proposal. We will ensure that the hike neither pinches the consumer’s pocket and also take into consideration demands of autorickshaw drivers.”
Autorickshaw unions on Friday decided to withdraw their planned strike in Delhi on Monday.