The revised fares of auto-rickshaw and taxis will come into effect in the city on Saturday with the Delhi Government issuing a notification in this regard on Friday. Cautioning the auto-drivers against fleecing commuters, the Government strictly asked them to charge fares as per the official rate chart and not make exorbitant demands. The Government also said the auto-drivers will have to calibrate their meters as per the new rates within one month.
The Delhi Cabinet had on Wednesday decided to hike the fares by 25 per cent in view of the increase in prices of CNG, spare parts and cost of labour in the last three years. The base fare for autos has been raised from Rs19 for the first two kilometres to Rs25 while for every subsequent km travellers will have to pay Rs8 as against the current fare of Rs6.50. Those choosing taxis for their travel will have to pay Rs25 for the first kilometre as against the existing Rs20.
The charges for every subsequent kilometre will be Rs14 for non-AC taxis against the current rate of Rs11. The air-conditioned taxis will charge Rs16 per subsequent kilometre instead of Rs13. “The auto/taxi drivers have been told to get their meters calibrated immediately through meter manufacturers and suppliers. They can also contact designated transport department offices,” a senior Transport Department official said. The Government would take punitive action against auto-drivers refusing to ply by fare meters or who decline to go to the desired destination of passengers.
“We will improve monitoring of auto operation. We will come down hard against errant auto-drivers,” the official said.