CHENNAI: Beginning January 26, a two-km ride in an autorickshaw will cost Rs.14. And Rs. 6 more for each additional km.

Transport Minister K.N. Nehru on Wednesday said that the State Government hiked the minimum fare from Rs. 7 to Rs. 14 for the first two km and from Rs. 3.50 to Rs. 6 for every subsequent km.

"The new rates have been decided in consultation with autorickshaw unions and consumer fora," he said. The Government engaged the services of Anna University to arrive at a "just and rational" fare structure, taking into consideration the prevailing rates in the neighbouring States.

The Government fixed a waiting charge of 40 paise for every 5 minutes. For trips between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., the commuters would be charged 25 per cent more than the revised rate.

Autorickshaw owners must replace mechanical meters with electronic ones within six months and upgrade the existing electronic meters within 45 days. The Government would help in arranging a bank loan of Rs. 2,000 for replacing meters. Autorickshaw drivers should carry a revised fare card from January 26 for the passenger's reference.

Autorickshaw fares were last revised in 1996, immediately after a rise in fuel prices. Further revision was not effected with a passenger association obtaining a High Court stay on fare hike. Despite a rise in fuel prices, a decision on fare hike remained pending before the authorities even after the stay was vacated. The recent hike is based on a study conducted by P. Mahalingam and M.V. Supriya of Anna University.

The study, which looked into developing a "scientific fare model that satisfies all the stakeholders," was commissioned after autorickshaw unions appealed for a fare of Rs. 15 (for first two km) and Rs. 7 (for every additional km).

Mr. Nehru warned drivers against charging more than the specified rates. "We will take strict action if we come across complaints of overcharging," he said.

To register complaints, contact 103, 044-26445511, 044-26444445, 044-26445959, 044-26670993, 044-26732525, 044-26215969, 044-24894466, 044-24867733, 044-22325555, 044-27264277, 044-27663333 or sms 98418 08123.

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