Auto, taxi meters not ready, go to RTOs if drivers try to fleece you

Although after the high court order, the fare hike for autorickshaws and taxis can come into effect from Thursday, you may not have to pay more before next week. For, the legal metrology department (LMD) is likely to start the recalibration of e-meters only from Monday.

Although after the high court order, the fare hike for autorickshaws and taxis can come into effect from Thursday, you may not have to pay more before next week. For, the legal metrology department (LMD) is likely to start the recalibration of e-meters only from Monday.

The approval for the Re-1 fare hike means you may have to pay Rs10-11 more for a 10-km taxi ride, and Rs25-26 more for a 25-km journey in autorickshaws. “People should only pay the fare that is reflected on the e-meter. If a driver asks you to pay the revised fare without recalibrating his meter, you can file a complaint (see box) with the RTO,” said a senior RTO official.

The metrology department chief said the transport department is yet to share the revised auto-taxi fare chart with them. Once they get it, it will be sent to meter manufacturers. “It will take at least four days to start the recalibration process. We will complete the work within our 45-day deadline,” said Sanjay Pandey, controller of LMD.

Taxi and autorickshaw unions have welcomed the decision. “We will request the LMD to expedite the recalibration process,” said Shashank Rao, a union leader.

The LMD has allowed four taxi and autorickshaw unions to supervision the recalibration process that will be conducted by 150 meter repairers. The repairers will charge Rs450 for chipsets, including Rs60 towards union fee. The LMD’s fee will be Rs150.

“The government should take affordability of taxis and autorickshaws into consideration,” said AV Shenoy, transport activist.