6 hrs ago
Tamil Nadu Seeks Public Input on Auto Fare Revision
Tamil Nadu is considering changing the prices charged by auto-rickshaws.
Meetings will be held in districts across the state on September 23.
Drivers, passengers, consumer groups and other people can share their opinions.
The current prices were set in 2013 and have not changed since then.
Drivers say fuel, repairs, insurance and spare parts have become more expensive.
They want the starting fare to rise from Rs 25 to Rs 45.
A consumer group supports this request but also wants digital meters and GPS devices to make fares clearer and travel safer.
The government will study the suggestions before making a final decision.
District Collectors will hold public consultation meetings across Tamil Nadu on September 23.
The consultations will include auto-rickshaw unions, consumer organisations, commuters and other stakeholders.
Existing fares, fixed in 2013, are Rs 25 for the first 1.8 kilometres and Rs 12 for each additional kilometre.
Auto-rickshaw unions and a consumer group have proposed a Rs 45 minimum fare and Rs 20 per additional kilometre.
The government will review the recommendations before deciding on revised fares and possible digital meter and GPS requirements.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu district administrations, auto-rickshaw unions, consumer organisations, commuters and other stakeholders.
- What
- Public consultations will be held as part of a proposed revision of auto-rickshaw fares.
- Where
- Across Tamil Nadu, through district-level meetings.
- When
- September 23; the current fares have been unchanged since 2013.
- Why
- The government is reviewing fares because drivers cite higher operating costs while officials seek to protect drivers’ livelihoods without placing an unreasonable burden on passengers.
Higher fares and driver viability
Passenger affordability and stronger oversight
Fare revision
Higher fares and driver viability
Auto-rickshaw unions argue that the existing rates are no longer viable because fuel, maintenance, insurance, spare parts and other costs have increased. They seek a Rs 45 minimum fare and Rs 20 for each additional kilometre.
Passenger affordability and stronger oversight
The government’s consultation process is intended to avoid imposing an unreasonable financial burden on passengers, while consumer representatives have urged transparent fare calculation and stronger regulation.
Implementation priorities
Higher fares and driver viability
The Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre supports the proposed fare increase and has called for the government to announce revised fares without delay, especially before the Ayudha Puja and Deepavali seasons.
Passenger affordability and stronger oversight
Consumer representatives also want digital fare meters and Global Positioning System devices made compulsory to calculate fares accurately, improve passenger safety and help authorities monitor compliance.
Key facts
- Consultation date
- September 23
- Current minimum fare
- Rs 25 for the first 1.8 kilometres
- Current additional fare
- Rs 12 for every subsequent kilometre
- Proposed minimum fare
- Rs 45
- Proposed additional fare
- Rs 20 per kilometre
- Registered auto-rickshaws
- Around 3.46 lakh in Tamil Nadu
- Additional regulatory proposals
- Compulsory digital fare meters and Global Positioning System devices
Sources
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