The Hindu : New Delhi News : Auto-rickshaws, taxis demand steep increase in tariffs

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Sunday, Jun 20, 2010
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New Delhi

Auto-rickshaws, taxis demand steep increase in tariffs

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Travelling by auto-rickshaws and taxis in the Capital is likely to make a huge hole in your pocket if the Delhi Government agrees to the unions' demand for a steep increase in existing tariffs.

Autorickshaw Sangh general secretary Rajender Soni said on Saturday: “For autos we have demanded a hike of Rs.20 from the existing Rs.10 for the first km and Rs.8 per km for the subsequent km. Also, we want a waiting charge of Rs.40 to Rs.50 per hour integrated into the meter.” The current tariff is Rs.4.50 for the subsequent km after the first km, and the waiting charge is Rs.25 per hour.

Similarly for taxis, the Sangh is seeking Rs.30 against the existing Rs.15 for the first km and Rs.14 for the subsequent km instead of the present rate of Rs.8.50. A waiting charge of Rs.75 is also proposed.

Talking about the demands set forth, NGO Nyaya Bhoomi secretary Rakesh Agarwal said though the demand for a tariff hike was justified, raising cost as suggested by Mr. Soni was “unrealistic” and unlikely to be accepted by commuters. He suggested a figure of Rs.15 for the first km or Rs. 20 for the first 2 km and Rs.6.50 for subsequent km.

Auto and taxi drivers' unions have long lamented the disproportionate increase in fares with respect to the current inflation level.

Mr. Agarwal said: “The government should have a policy, a formula to review fares periodically taking into account all factors including the current inflation level and then decide on the fare,” he added.

The unions have called off the planned strike on Monday for now, but Mr. Soni said they will go on strike on Wednesday if the Government fails to meet their demands by Tuesday.

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