1 day ago
Pune Commuters Face Auto Fare and CNG Price Hikes
Pune auto rides became more expensive on Tuesday.
The cheapest auto ride now costs ₹30 instead of ₹25 for the first 1.5 kilometres.
Longer rides also cost more for every extra kilometre.
CNG, the fuel many autos use, became ₹2 more expensive per kilogram.
Drivers say their fuel and other work costs are rising.
Some drivers worry that passengers will take fewer autos because of the higher fares.
Passengers say the increases are especially difficult for people who use autos every day.
Both groups want authorities to find ways to reduce the pressure of rising costs.
Revised autorickshaw fares took effect in Pune on Tuesday, raising the minimum fare from ₹25 to ₹30 for the first 1.5 km.
The charge for each additional kilometre increased from ₹17 to ₹20.
CNG prices in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and adjoining areas rose by ₹2 to ₹97.75 per kg.
Drivers said higher fares offer limited relief because CNG, maintenance, spare parts and traffic-related waiting reduce earnings.
Commuters and some drivers warned that higher fares could discourage short-distance trips and increase fare disputes.
- Who
- Pune autorickshaw drivers and commuters, including office-goers, students and senior citizens.
- What
- Autorickshaw fares and CNG prices increased on the same day.
- Where
- Pune, including Shivajinagar, Wakdewadi and Deccan; the CNG increase also covers Pimpri-Chinchwad and adjoining areas.
- When
- The revised fares and CNG increase took effect on Tuesday.
- Why
- CNG prices rose by ₹2 per kg, while revised auto fares increased the cost of operating and using autorickshaws; the articles do not state the official reason for either revision.
Driver Concerns
Commuter Concerns
Effect of higher fares
Driver Concerns
Drivers say the fare increase provides only limited relief because CNG, maintenance, spare parts, household expenses and traffic-related waiting consume much of their income.
Commuter Concerns
Commuters say the higher minimum fare increases the burden on people who depend on autos regularly for daily travel.
Short-distance trips
Driver Concerns
Some drivers fear passengers will avoid autos or bargain more over fares, meaning higher rates may not improve their earnings.
Commuter Concerns
Passengers may seek alternatives for short trips because the minimum fare has risen to ₹30.
Addressing rising costs
Driver Concerns
One driver argued that authorities should reduce CNG prices rather than place the entire burden on passengers.
Commuter Concerns
Commuters also called for fuel-cost relief and questioned whether raising fares is the only solution.
Key facts
- Minimum fare
- ₹30 for the first 1.5 km, up from ₹25
- Additional-distance fare
- ₹20 per kilometre, up from ₹17
- New CNG price
- ₹97.75 per kg
- CNG increase
- ₹2 per kg
- Affected areas
- Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and adjoining areas
- Main concern
- Higher costs may reduce auto use, particularly for short-distance trips
Quotes
Nauman Shaheed Khan
Autorickshaw driver near Wakdewadi
“Fuel costs take away a large portion of my daily income, and traffic and waiting time further reduce the number of trips I can complete. Also, waiting for long trips at this price hike makes no sense because commuters don’t want us to charge them higher prices.”
freepressjournal.in
“Drivers have genuine financial difficulties, but is increasing fares the only answer?”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
Related news
Pune RTA Approves Autorickshaw Fare Hike from September 1
Mumbai CNG Rise Coincides With Higher Auto, Taxi Fares
Delhi CNG Price Rise Spurs Fare Hike, Strike Threat
Mumbai Taxi and Auto Fares Rise From September 1
Mumbai Auto-Taxi Fare Hike Draws Commuter, Union Concerns
Mumbai Auto-Taxi Fares Rise, Minimum Rates Begin September 1
Supriya Sule Challenges Maharashtra Government Over Pune Issues
Drunk Driver Challenges Pimpri-Chinchwad Police After Pune Accident
CNG Prices Rise Rs 2 per Kilogram in Pune
Two Die in Nigdi BSNL Duct as Cable Theft Probe
