The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) will meet on January 17 to consider the demand of autorickshaw unions for a revision in minimum auto fares.
Regional Transport Officer Syed Shafi Ahmed told Deccan Herald on Monday that the Bangalore Urban Deputy Commissioner has convened a meet on Thursday to be attended by the DCP (Traffic), regional transport officers, officials from the Weights and Measurements department and representatives of the auto unions, to review their demand for a hike in minimum fares.
It may be noted that the RTA had in 2006 decided not to enhance the minimum fares of autos, until the price of LPG dispensed in fuel bunks exceeds Rs 40 a litre. The current price of auto LPG being Rs 35.80 to a litre, the RTA will decide the future course of action.
RTA Secretary Rudra Nayak said the department has not taken any decision on hiking the minimum fare for autorickshaws so far. An association of autorikshaw owners has demanded it, following increase in auto LPG recently. “A meeting of all concerned officials have been convened on January 17 to take a decision in this regard,” he added.
Sir,On the demand for increase in Auto Fares, a few things for our attention. Among the major cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad, we have the steepest metered fares (Rs. 12/- min against Rs. 9/- and Rs. 10- resp). Secondly, given traffic conditions, the Union should demand the meters have 'waiting' fare too - in Mumbai, for 2 mins that the meter is on but the auto stopped, it ticks by Re. 1/-. Thirdly, auto drivers should stop the practise of demanding flat rates which has become common nowadays.
