MMRTA Approves Fare Hike for Black-Yellow Taxis and Auto-Rickshaws. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) approved the proposal for a fare hike in black-yellow taxis and auto-rickshaws on Friday, 23 January. This decision to increase fares in taxis and autos in Mumbai was taken due to the rapid increase in the cost of living and many other factors that will be discussed in the article below. To know the complete details about the fake hike in Mumbai, continue reading the article.
Fare Hike for Black-Yellow Taxis and Auto-Rickshaws
Now, as per the approval by the MMRTA, travelling by taxis and auto-rickshaws will be more expensive in Mumbai. This fare hike will start on February 1. There are many factors due to which MMRTA approved this fare hike, such as the rise in the costs of living, fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, operational expenses, etc. The minimum fare for an auto rickshaw will be ₹23 and the minimum fare for a taxi will increase from ₹28 to ₹31. The fare for Cool Cab will also increase to ₹48 from the current ₹40.
Additionally, plans to improve connectivity have been proposed by the transportation department. They have recommended seven new auto stands outside five Metro 3 stations, as it will improve last-mile connectivity and increase ridership for the first phase of the Metro 3 line, which runs from Aarey to Bandra-Kurla Complex. The MMRTA has announced that the updated fares can be charged only after meters are modified. The previous fare tariff card will be applied till April 30, when the meters are revised and checked.
New Prices for Autos and Taxis
The new prices will be applied from February 1, 2025. The drivers can only apply the new prices after the recalibration of their meters. The changes in prices are as follows:
- Passengers travelling from auto rickshaws will have to pay ₹26 instead of $23.
- Passengers travelling from taxis will have to pay ₹31 instead of $28.
- The fare for blue-and-silver AC cool cabs will be ₹48 instead of $40, which is the current price for the first 1.5 kilometres.
Calculation of Revised Fare
The fare revision uses a formula that was developed by the B C Khatua panel. This panel was established by the Maharashtra government in 2016 to calculate fare hikes for taxis and autorickshaws. The fare is calculated on the basis of the consumer price index, average vehicle price, interest rates for vehicle loans, and other costs that are related to it. This new hike came after more than two years since the last fare revision was made in September 2022. Around 2.3 lakh autos and 20,000 black and yellow taxis ferry over a million passengers daily. These new fares will be applicable in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, Vasai-Virar, and Panvel.
Impact on Passengers and Drivers
The price hike is definitely not in the favour and benefit of the passengers because they will have to pay more for short city trips. But the increased fare will help drivers to see an improvement in their daily earnings. They will be able to cover the costs of their expenses such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, and operational costs.
Not only have the fares changed, but there will be the establishment of new stands for taxis and auto rickshaws. These new changes could offer more options for both passengers and drivers.
Compulsory Meter Recalibration
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) has highlighted that the new fare rates cannot be applied until the meters of the vehicle have been updated. It is compulsory for drivers to recalibrate their meters between February 1 and April 30, 2025. The previous fare tariff card will be applied till April 30, when the meter recalibration process is completed.
New Stands for Taxis and Auto Rickshaws
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) has approved the two new black and yellow taxi stands and nine shared autorickshaw stands across the region to improve last-mile connectivity. The primary aim of making these changes is to improve public transport services for passengers while providing support to operators of public transport who face difficulties in handling operational challenges.
Moreover, the MMRTA has also approved the renewal of six stages of carriage permits for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, which covers 1,850 buses under Section 89 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.