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Mumbai Set to Face Public Transport Fare Hike

Under the new structure, autorickshaw base fares are likely to increase by ₹3 from the current ₹23, while taxi fares could rise by ₹4, taking the minimum fare from ₹28 to ₹32.

Mumbai Set to Face Public Transport Fare Hike
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Mumbai commuters may soon see increased fares for taxis, autorickshaws, and city buses as the state government moves forward with proposals for a significant hike. Following delays caused by the Lok Sabha and assembly elections, the proposed revisions include a 15-20% increase for taxis and autorickshaws, while city bus fares are expected to rise by 12-22%. Notably, fares for BEST buses will remain unchanged.

Under the new structure, autorickshaw base fares are likely to increase by ₹3 from the current ₹23, while taxi fares could rise by ₹4, taking the minimum fare from ₹28 to ₹32. Public transport unions and agencies have been pressing for a fare hike for the past three years, with the last revision for taxis and autos occurring in October 2022.

City bus operators in areas like Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayandar, and Pune, along with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), have submitted detailed proposals for fare adjustments. The MSRTC has suggested a 22% hike, which could generate an additional ₹2 crore in daily revenue to alleviate its mounting losses. A meeting of the State Transport Authority and the Mumbai Metropolitan Road Transport Authority, led by the additional chief secretary of transport, is expected to finalize these proposals soon. Transport department officials have acknowledged that public transport services across the state are grappling with severe financial challenges. Fare revisions were deferred due to elections, but the growing financial burden on the state exchequer has prompted the government to prioritize the issue. The proposals have been approved at initial levels, with the final decision awaiting political approval.

Union representatives, including Thampy Kurian of the Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union, have expressed relief at the prospect of fare revisions. Kurian pointed out that the Khatua Committee’s 2017 report had recommended annual fare adjustments based on factors such as the Consumer Price Index, fuel costs, and vehicle maintenance. He criticized the government for delaying these revisions, which he said had placed a heavy burden on operators, and urged authorities to offer financial grants during such delays. As the state government prepares to finalize the hike, Mumbai’s commuters and transport operators alike await clarity on how these changes will impact their daily lives.

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