Navi Mumbai: The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has officially enforced new auto-rickshaw fare rates starting February 1, raising the minimum fare from Rs. 23 to Rs. 26. However, the transition has been anything but smooth, with discrepancies in meter updates leading to disputes between passengers and drivers.
Under the revised structure, passengers are charged per kilometer after the initial fare. The process of recalibrating meters began on February 15, but many rickshaws are still operating on outdated meters, causing inconsistency in fares. While some drivers have already shifted to the new pricing, others continue to charge old fares, fueling arguments at rickshaw stands across the city.
With over 36,000 rickshaws operating in Navi Mumbai, the lack of uniform fare enforcement has left both commuters and drivers in confusion. The transport department has begun updating meter readings, but the full implementation depends on necessary software updates from the meter companies.
Deputy Regional Transport Officer Gajanan Gawande has assured the public that all meters will be updated soon, ensuring a seamless transition to the revised fare structure. Until then, passengers are advised to confirm fare rates before boarding to avoid disputes.
