MUMBAI: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) could see a hike in auto and taxi fares in June, sources in the transport department have indicated. While auto fares could be increased by Rs 2 for a minimum distance of 1.5 km—up from Rs 21 to Rs 23 — taxi travel could get costlier by Rs 3.
Sources said the fare hike proposal would be on the agenda in the next Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) meeting slated for June, and the final call would be taken by MMRTA.
Commuters and activists have opposed any raise in fares, saying drivers were given a hike only last March when the fares were increased by Rs 3, taking the minimum from Rs 18 to Rs 21 for autos and from Rs 22 to Rs 25 in the case of the city’s kaali peeli taxis.
A senior official from the transport commissioner’s office told TOI that the issue would be discussed at the earliest. “There is a strong possibility of a hike in fares soon. The quantum will be decided by MMRTA members,” he said.
Auto and taxi unions have been pushing for the raise for the past four months. “Fuel (CNG) prices have been increased by Rs 28 in a year and this is a huge operational cost. This is besides the increase in vehicle maintenance, tyre and insurance costs,” Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union leader Thampy Kurien said, adding that the Rs 2 raise demanded by auto unions was “justified”.
A L Quadros from Mumbai Taximen’s Union said drivers were incurring losses after hefty increase in fuel prices, with CNG now retailing at Rs 76/kg. “We have demanded a Rs 5 hike—from a minimum of Rs 25 to Rs 30 in fares,” he said, adding that a protest planned in June has been called off as there is “hope of a hike”.
Several citizens and activists are against any such move. “We already pay a huge sum to auto and taxi drivers. A hike may compel us to switch to other modes of transport such as buses, which are affordable at just Rs 6 for an AC ride of 5 km or go for an Uber or Ola cab,” said Paresh Thakker, an officegoer at Kurla. Echoing him, commuter activist Gauran Vora said, “Citizens need affordable public transport and it is not advisable to hike fares at this juncture. Despite the fuel hike, they have sufficient margin to earn a decent income. We can think about a hike next year. If they treat customers well, stop refusals and provide comfortable rides, they can get good business in the city. In just a year and a few months, giving them another hike is not justified.”
