BENGALURU: Auto fares are likely to be revised from the existing Rs 30 to Rs 40 for the first 2 km and from Rs 15 to Rs 20 for every subsequent kilometre travelled. Auto unions have been demanding a hike in auto fares citing that the operational costs have gone up, along with a steep increase in the prices of essential commodities.
While the meeting scheduled to be held by the state transport department along with the auto unions on Monday to discuss the fare revision has been postponed, sources from the transport department maintained that the demand of fare hike is likely to be considered.
Auto unions state that the fares were revised in 2021 and said it is increasingly difficult to operate with the old fares.
Speaking to TNIE, Autorickshaw Driver’s Union General Secretary Rudra Murthy said, “Operational costs of autos have steadily gone up year after year. Right from the cost of fuel, spare parts, and tyres have gone up increasing the operational cost of autos. However, the auto fares which were revised in 2021, have remained the same.”
Adarsh Auto and Taxi Drivers’ Union President M Manjunath said, “Costs of all the essential commodities have sky-rocketed. School fees, hospital expenses and every other thing have witnessed hike. How are auto-drivers supposed to run their families? Many are trapped in credit cycle, where they are struggling to pay interest.”
Salaries of government and private company employees are revised regularly. Auto drivers solely depend on the meter fare and regular revision of fares in accordance with increasing costs should be considered.
Earlier, auto drivers would give Rs 100 every day to their home makers, and save some money. But now, with increasing costs, auto drivers are unable to take care of the needs of their families, Manjunath said.
Rudra Murthy pointed out that the auto fares have been revised in Mangaluru, Udupi and Shivamogga.
“Illegal bike taxi operations have severely affected the auto drivers. The matter of bike taxis is in the High Court. Some auto drivers wish that the fares be revised after the bike taxis are completely banned in the state,” he said.