MMRTA Hikes Auto Fares to Rs 27 and Taxi Fares to Rs 33 Across MMR
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority has approved a fare hike for autorickshaws and taxis across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including Kalyan in Thane district, effective from September 1. Under the revised fare structure, the minimum autorickshaw fare has increased by Rs 1 to Rs 27 from Rs 26, while the minimum black-and-yellow taxi fare for the first 1.5 kilometres has risen by Rs 2 to Rs 33 from Rs 31.
The fare revision has sparked concerns among daily commuters who stated that the additional expense will burden household budgets amid broader price increases. Sarfaraz Ahmed, a resident of Kalyan in Thane district, said rising prices are already affecting daily expenses, noting that auto fares have climbed steadily over time without adequate control over price rises.
Commuters across the region expressed similar worries regarding the financial impact. A commuter working in Colaba said that transport fares and fuel costs have climbed while salaries have remained stagnant. Balasaheb Mhaske, another commuter, noted that even a Rs 2 increase creates hardship for poorer sections of society already dealing with the high cost of essential commodities. Swapan, a resident of Wadala, also pointed out that higher taxi fares would make daily life more difficult alongside the steep cost of essential goods.
Autorickshaw and taxi unions also voiced dissatisfaction with the revision, arguing that the Rs 1 increase is inadequate to offset the rising costs of fuel, maintenance, and insurance. Seva Sarathi Autorickshaw Taxi and Transport Union general secretary D M Gosavi noted that the fare had been revised by only Rs 1 after a gap of nearly two years. He called on the Maharashtra government to conduct a scientific assessment of operating costs and establish a permanent mechanism for periodic revisions involving driver representatives.
Union leader Shashank Rao stated that the approved revision was insufficient and that an additional increase of Rs 1 to Rs 2 should have been granted. Rao also claimed that the transport department did not consult all unions before finalizing the decision.
Transport authorities have directed all autorickshaw and taxi operators across the region to have their fare meters recalibrated by the end of November. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region has more than 4.5 lakh autorickshaws and over 50,000 black-and-yellow taxis, most of which operate on compressed natural gas.
