Mumbaikars will have to brace for higher transport costs as the Maharashtra government proposes a 15-20% fare hike in taxi and auto and a 12-22% increase for city bus services. BEST bus fares will remain unchanged.
Proposed Fare Changes
- Autos: Base fare likely to rise by ₹3 (current: ₹23).
- Taxis: Base fare expected to increase by ₹4 (current: ₹28).
- City Buses: Corporations in cities like Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Pune propose hikes of up to 22%.
The hike comes after a three-year demand from auto-taxi unions and city bus agencies, with the last increase implemented in October 2022. The delay was attributed to Lok Sabha and assembly elections.
Transport Authorities to Decide
Proposals from city bus operators and the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) are under review. The MSRTC has sought a 22% hike, aiming to boost its daily revenue by ₹2 crore and offset mounting losses. The final decision rests with the State Transport Authority and the Mumbai Metropolitan Road Transport Authority, which are set to meet this week.
A fare hike was delayed due to the Lok Sabha and assembly elections last year. Although local body polls are expected this year, the government has decided not to wait any longer as the losses are massive and this places the burden on the state exchequer,” said an official from the transport department.
Union and Expert Views
The Mumbai Rickshaw Men’s Union leader, Thampy Kurian, stated that a fare increase was long needed. According to the Khatua committee study, autorickshaws suffer significant losses if a decision is not made for more than two years. A review should be made annually. As with the BEST and state transport organizations, we should receive a grant when the government postpones a decision due to elections,” he stated.
Kurian said the union was to move court last year but deferred its decision as the government had assured them of a hike immediately after the elections.
The Khatua Committee had submitted its report in 2017, laying down guidelines for an increase in taxi and autorickshaws fares by the government. Accordingly, a revision in fares should take into account the Consumer Price Index, which takes into consideration the cost of living, the vehicle’s basic cost, fuel cost, maintenance of the vehicle, among other factors.
