Mumbai: Auto, taxi night fares hiked by Rs2; High Court nod awaited

Although the flag-down fare for auto and taxi has been increased by a rupee, the minimum night fare has been hiked by Rs2. As per the formula mentioned in the Hakim Committee report, night fares should be 25 per cent more. The revised fares will come into effect from June 1.

"As compared to the existing night fares, the hike has been by Rs2," said a transport department official.

Opting for an auto rickshaw at the stroke of midnight from June 1 will cost a minimum of Rs23, instead of the existing Rs21. Similarly, for taxis, the minimum night fare will be Rs28 and not Rs26.

Fares for the subsequent kilometres too have been increased accordingly. The revised fare chart has not been released officially by the transport department. "It is only after getting the nod from the Bombay high court will the chart be shared with agencies involved in calibration of meters. New chips will be installed in the electronic meters that will have the new fares," said an official.

Once the high court gives the go-ahead, around 1.06 lakh autos, 37,000-odd black-and-yellow taxis as well as cool cabs and close to 6,000 fleet taxis in Mumbai will have to undergo the process of revising the meters followed by testing of the same. It is likely to take a minimum of 45 days for the entire fleet of vehicles to get their meters recalibrated.