Commuters in the country’s commercial capital will now have to pay more for travelling in taxis and autorickshaws with their fares hiked by Rs. 2 on Wednesday.
“The base fare for taxis has been increased from the present Rs. 14 to Rs. 16, while for autos it is hiked from Rs. 9 to Rs. 11,” Transport Secretary C. S. Sangitrao, who heads the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Transport Authority told reporters.
He said the hike has been based on a formula suggested by the Hakim Committee. “The revised rates have been based upon fuel cost, price index, capital cost, insurance and taxes,” he said.
The hike comes into effect following a day-long strike on Monday in Mumbai by 80,000 auto and taxi drivers demanding increase in the tariff after the CNG prices went up.
The hike in fares would come into effect from tonight.
However, the outer limit for its implementation is June 27 as the revised fare cards have to be prepared, he said.
“Similarly, for every subsequent kilometre, the fare for taxis has been increased from Rs nine to Rs 10,” Sangitrao, said adding it is Rs. 5 to Rs. 6.5 for autos.
The Mumbai Taximen Union meeting said it was not happy with the rupee one hike in the subsequent kilometres.
“We will discuss this in our working committee meeting,” Union president A. L. Quadros, who was also present at the meeting at Mantralaya, said.
