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From Saturday, you can take a prepaid auto from airport
Autorickshaws have joined the list of prepaid transport at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The service was delayed because of incomplete fare structure. It will start from Saturday.
Autorickshaws have joined the list of prepaid transport at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
The service was delayed because of incomplete fare structure. It will start from Saturday.
“We have got the necessary approval from the regional airport,” said the spokesperson of Mumbai International Airpot Limited (MIAL). Passengers will now have another option along with prepaid cabs and fleet taxis.
The service, however, will benefit long-distance travellers while fliers taking shorter rides from the airport might feel victimised. The minimum fare for a prepaid auto will be Rs 40 till 4 km and Rs 70 for 4-7 km. The fare will increase by Rs 20 for each following slab of 4 km.
For instance, a passenger will have to pay Rs 50 for an auto ride from the domestic terminals to Vile Parle station, currently costing Rs 11. At the same time it will be only Rs 70 for a trip to Malad.
“The good thing is I need not haggle with autorickshaw drivers after reaching the destination,” said Komal Jain, a jewellery designer living near Orlem church.
But you willhave to pay Rs 10 extra for every piece of baggage.
The service was slated to begin from August 1. It got delayed because the rate card issued by the regional transport authority did not cover all the areas where autorickshaws ply.
But passengers fear long queues because pre-paid coupons for autos will be issued from the same counters as pre-paid cabs.
“Already its get chaotic during peak hours. This will add to the mess,” said Rakshit Paranjpe, executive with a retail firm.
