Indefinite taxi, auto stir hits Kerala

Taxis and authorickshaws are keeping off roads across Kerala as the indefinite strike called by joint council of unions began today demanding increase in fares.

Taxis and authorickshaws are keeping off roads across Kerala as the indefinite strike called by joint council of unions began on Wednesday demanding increase in fares.

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Unions claimed nearly six lakh vehicles had been garaged in response to the strike sponsored jointly by major trade unions, including CITU, INTUC, AITUC and BMS.

The unions wanted autoricksaw fare to be increased from Rs 8 to Rs 10 for the minimum distance of 1.5 KM and the taxi fare from Rs 5.50 to Rs 6.50 per KM.

The strike caused inconvenience to people in cities and towns where they depend on autorickshaws for short-distance travel.

Taxis plying on emergencies like carrying patients to hospitals or marriage parties have been exempted from the strike.

The strike would cause problems to the nearly 5000 students, and school authorities, who will be participating in the 46th state school Arts Festival, beginning here from Thursday.