Transport dept supports demand for new fare revision formula

The state transport department will soon make a recommendation to the state government to appoint a new rickshaw trade enquiry committee to study and form a new formula for revising rickshaw fares.

The state transport department will soon make a recommendation to the state government to appoint a new rickshaw trade enquiry committee to study and form a new formula for revising rickshaw fares.

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Currently, the taxi and autorickshaw fares in the city are decided by the government-approved Hakim Committee's formula formed in 1996.

“There have been several technological changes in vehicles and its operations. Hence I will recommend that the government appoint a new trade enquiry committee,” VN More, transport commissioner.

On Monday, the Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union carried out a rally outside the transport commissioner office demanding that the committee be formed and the minimum fare hiked to Rs14 and Rs8.5 for every additional kilometre.

“We are withdrawing our agitation for now as the transport commissioner has assured us that he will take up the matter,” said Fredrick Dsa, working president of the union.

More said he would put forth the demand for a hike to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority.

The transport department is carrying out a comparison of the fare tariff, distance slabs, geographical conditions, fuel used and traffic system of other metropolitan cities. “Comparison has to be in all aspects. In Delhi, the minimum fare is Rs19 for 2km. In Pune, it is Rs11 for 1km,” said More.