Autos, taxis must display tariff cards: govt

All auto and taxi drivers will now have to compulsorily display tariff cards inside their vehicles so that commuters know exactly how much they will have to pay for their ride.

Following HT’s Meter Down campaign, in which it urged the state government to enforce the already existing rule, transport commissioner VN More on Thursday issued written directives to the Regional Transport Offices (RTO) in the city to implement this rule.

“Auto and taxi drivers and their unions are directed to display the card as per the law otherwise we will initiate action against them. The RTOs will call unions to their office and hand over copies of the directive,” More told HT.

Mumbaiites, who are already reeling under the burden of a steep tariff hike, have been complaining that drivers are using fake rate cards and fleecing them.

The decision will bring relief to commuters as the recently revised fares will be reflected in meters, only after they are recalibrated.

The government expects the recalibration process to be complete by November 24, but it is likely to take as long as three months as the pace of work is slow.

Commuters should also demand that drivers display tariff cards inside the vehicles, More said. Drivers who fail to put up tariff cards will be fined Rs 100 each time they are caught.

First Published: Oct 19, 2012 00:34 IST