Mumbai: Expect to pay Rs 10 more min fare for kaali-peeli taxis

Expect an up to Rs 10 increase in kaali-peeli cabs' minimum fare and a similar rise in that of autorickshaws in the next ten days. The Maharashtra government has agreed to the hike after meeting taxi and auto trade unions.

Mumbai Taximen's Union General Secretary Anthony L Quadros told mid-day, "We have asked for an increase of Rs 10 in the minimum base fare, which is now Rs 25. The minimum fare of Mumbai kaali-peeli cabs was revised from Rs 22 to Rs 25 from March 1, 2021. CNG prices have been consistently going up and the economy of running a cab has collapsed. We have been writing consistently to the government that we have been operating at losses and had demanded that our fare should be increased."

Also read: Mumbai: Most kaali-peeli taxis don't have seatbelt, experts raise concern

Unions have been seeking implementation of Khatua Committee report. File pic

Mumbai Automen's Union leader Shashank Sharad Rao said they have also sought a fare hike as per the formula of the Khatua Committee, which was formed in October 2016 to come up with a revised fare policy for taxis and autorickshaws operating in Maharashtra. The panel's report had recommended telescopic fares for taxis, where the increase in journey length would attract a discount in fares; a "happy hour" scheme; and that there should be lower fares during lean periods. With the consistent rise in CNG prices, the equations went haywire.

"We have asked for a hike as per the Khatua formula. More than the hike, we had sought a 40 per cent discount on the CNG rate. The Maharashtra government is a 10 per cent stakeholder in Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) and we have written letters to the state government and the latter asking that the local production of CNG be made available at a cheaper rate for us; and being a public transporter, it should be diverted to us as a priority," Rao said.

Taxis and auto unions had proposed an indefinite strike from September 15, but after a meeting with state industries minister Uday Samant, the strike had been called off. "The government has assured us it will take a concrete decision on the numerous pending issues, including the fare hike, within the 10 days," a trade union leader said.

25
The current minimum taxi fare in rupees