Mangaluru: Confusion over revised auto-rickshaw fares in Dakshina Kannada district continues, with auto drivers’ and owners’ associations refusing to recalibrate their meters until their demand for a higher per-kilometre fare is considered.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Darshan H V, who is also the chairman of the District Transport Authority, had issued an order in the third week of August revising auto-rickshaw fares in the district. The revised rates were scheduled to come into effect from September 1. However, with the new fares yet to be implemented officially as of the third week of September, passengers and auto drivers remain caught between the existing meter rates and the fare announced in the order.
Revised minimum fare creates confusion
Under the DC’s order, the minimum fare for the first 1.5 km was increased from Rs 35 to Rs 40. The fare for every subsequent kilometre was revised from Rs 17 to Rs 20.
However, auto-rickshaw meters continue to display the existing minimum fare of Rs 35 in many vehicles. The situation has resulted in disagreements between passengers and drivers, particularly when drivers seek to collect the revised fare despite the meter showing the old rate.
An auto association leader said the associations had sought a considerably higher increase during consultations held before the revision.
“We had requested a hike in the minimum fare for the first 1.5 km from Rs 35 to Rs 50. However, it was increased only to Rs 40. We had also demanded that the per-kilometre fare thereafter be increased from Rs 20 to Rs 25. But they showed the old rate as Rs 17 and increased it to Rs 20,” the association leader alleged.
He said associations had been given assurances that their concerns would be considered further.
“If the old rates are continued, associations are discussing a strike by taking autos off the roads. Currently, all drivers are charging the old fare, so passengers need not be confused,” he said.
Associations refuse to recalibrate meters
An office-bearer of the Dakshina Kannada Autorickshaw Drivers and Owners Association Federation in Mangaluru city said rising operating costs had made a fare revision necessary.
“The prices of LPG, CNG, and daily commodities have gone up, making a fare hike essential for auto drivers to earn a livelihood,” he said.
According to him, the federation has decided not to recalibrate the meters until the fare applicable after the first 1.5 km is revised.
“We have met people’s representatives to request this. The RTO has assured us that the issue will be resolved by the end of September,” he said.
Another auto drivers’ association leader said the associations had accepted the Rs 40 minimum fare despite originally seeking Rs 50.
“Although we demanded Rs 50 as the minimum fare, they set it at Rs 40, which we accepted. However, we oppose continuing the current rate for subsequent kilometres. The District Transport Authority made a unilateral decision, which is why no one has implemented the revised fare,” he said.
The differing positions have effectively delayed the implementation of the revised fare structure, leaving passengers uncertain about the amount they are required to pay for an auto journey.
Meter recalibration involves Legal Metrology Department
An auto driver explained that implementing a new fare requires more than simply announcing the revised rates.
“After the DC’s order, it must be sent to the Legal Metrology Department, which then instructs the meter service agencies to update and seal the meters,” he said.
There are two agencies in Mangaluru that undertake the meter recalibration work, located at Pandeshwar and Bunder.
The cost of recalibrating an auto-rickshaw meter is around Rs 400, according to the driver.
The scale of the exercise is also significant. The city has around 6,850 CNG and LPG-powered auto-rickshaws and approximately 3,000 electric autos, all of which would require their meters to be updated if the revised fare structure is implemented.
Until the meters are recalibrated and officially sealed, discrepancies between the fare displayed on the meter and the amount sought by drivers can continue to cause disputes.
RTO to discuss associations’ grievances
Sources in the Regional Transport Office (RTO) said auto associations had formally submitted their grievances regarding the revised fare structure.
“We will discuss the matter with the deputy commissioner and issue a final order by the end of September,” the sources said.
The statement indicates that the fare structure may undergo further consideration before the revised rates are fully implemented.
Another auto drivers’ association has also raised a different point regarding the existing per-kilometre fare.
The association clarified that during the 2022 fare revision, the authorities had ordered a charge of Rs 20 for every kilometre after the initial 1.5 km. The association claimed to possess documents supporting this position.
It said Rs 20 is currently being charged for subsequent kilometres and that the same amount is reflected in the meters. Its present demand is to increase the existing Rs 20 rate to either Rs 23 or Rs 25.
District has 22,888 auto-rickshaws
According to RTO data, Dakshina Kannada district has a total of 22,888 registered auto-rickshaws.
The fleet includes vehicles powered by petrol, diesel, electricity, LPG and CNG. The large number of vehicles means that any final fare revision will require coordinated implementation involving the District Transport Authority, RTO, Legal Metrology Department, meter service agencies, auto associations and drivers.
For passengers, the immediate concern remains clarity over the fare payable for each journey. While the DC’s August order announced a minimum fare of Rs 40 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 20 for every subsequent kilometre, auto associations are seeking another revision before recalibrating their meters.
With the RTO expected to discuss the matter with the deputy commissioner and issue a final decision by the end of September, both commuters and auto drivers are awaiting an official resolution to the fare dispute.