Revision in minimum auto fares put on hold; new order to be issued soon

Mangaluru: The increase in minimum auto fares to Rs 35 from the existing Rs 30 has not come into effect amid opposition from the office-bearers of the Auto Rickshaw Driver-Owners Union.

The Dakshina Kannada Regional Transport Authority (RTA) issued an order regarding the hike in minimum fare from Rs 30 for the first 1.5 km to Rs 35 with effect from November 15.

However, it is gathered that the auto drivers, and owners opposed the hike citing that it was lesser than their demand, and have appealed to the RTA to reconsider the fare hike. It has been urged to raise the minimum fare to Rs 40 for the first 1.5 km and the per kilometer charge after that to Rs 20.

The Auto Rickshaw Driver-Owners Union said that the last revision in fares was done in the April 2020. They demanded that the RTA revise fares based on the charges being levied in Udupi district and submitted a petition in this regard to Dakshina Kannada District Collector MR Ravikumar, who also happens to be the RTA Chairman of the Transport Authority.

Speaking to Udayavani Arun Kumar, Honorary Adviser of Mangaluru City Auto Rickshaw Drivers-Owners’ Union said that the District Collector has assured to look into their demand and resolve the issue within four days. “We have thus decided to wait for four days and the association had directed auto driver-owners not to implement the Rs 35 minimum fare in the interim period,” he said.

The District collector has informed that a new order in this regard will be issued after a meeting with all stakeholders by this weekend.