Bangalore: Auto Fare up by Rs 3 from Monday
Bangalore, Mar 10 (DHNS): The auto rickshaw drivers have had their way yet again with the State government on Friday agreeing for a hike in the auto meter fare, following a series of meetings held with the auto unions pushing for an increase in fares for over two months now.
The revised rates will come into effect from Monday morning and commuters will now have to pay Rs 20 for the first 1.8-km as opposed to Rs 17 for two km presently. Subsequently, every km will cost the commuters Rs 11 compared to Rs 9 per km presently.
The Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU) has been demanding an increase in the fares since November last year. But the recent hike in the LPG prices by over Rs 3 is the causal effect for the hike as the union also received support from other unions and drivers. However, the fare may come down in case the LPG prices fall again.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, ARDU president Meenakshisundaram said: “We had proposed that the minimum fare (for first two km) be Rs 24 and that the subsequent km be priced at Rs 12. But we have compromised for this rate.”
They had also asked the government to fix 33 paise as waiting charge per minute. There was no confirmation on whether the government had agreed to this particular demand.
Besides, the unions have also agreed on reduction of fare in case of the LPG prices falling again. “The government proposed this and we had no reservations,” he said.