Mangaluru: Autorickshaw passengers in Dakshina Kannada will have to pay revised fares from November 1, with the District Regional Transport Authority (RTA) fixing the minimum fare at Rs 40 for the first 1.5 km.

Under the revised fare structure, passengers will be charged Rs 23 for every kilometre after the initial 1.5 km. The new rates have been approved after the RTA cited rising fuel prices and increasing costs of vehicle spare parts. The revised order also seeks to standardise fares and prevent disputes between passengers and autorickshaw drivers.

Rs 40 minimum fare for first 1.5 km

The minimum autorickshaw fare in Dakshina Kannada has been fixed at Rs 40 for the first 1.5 km.

The fare applies to a maximum of three passengers travelling in an autorickshaw. Once the distance crosses 1.5 km, an additional Rs 23 will be charged for every kilometre.

The revised rate is higher than the Rs 20 per-km charge that had been included in the earlier fare revision. The RTA issued a fresh order after withdrawing an earlier order dated August 28, according to a report by The Times of India.

The fare revision has been made after considering the increase in operating costs faced by autorickshaw drivers, including higher prices of CNG, LPG and diesel and rising costs of spare parts.

Waiting charges revised

The RTA has also specified new waiting charges for autorickshaw passengers.

The first 10 minutes of waiting will remain free. After that, passengers can be charged Rs 5 for every 15 minutes or part thereof.

The provision is intended to provide a standardised basis for calculating waiting charges rather than leaving the amount to individual negotiations between drivers and passengers.

Drivers have been directed to collect only the charges permitted under the revised fare structure.

New luggage charges

The revised notification also lays down rules for luggage carried in autorickshaws.

At least one passenger must accompany the luggage for the luggage charge provisions to apply. The first 20 kg of luggage will be carried free of charge.

For every additional 20 kg or part thereof, passengers can be charged Rs 5.

The RTA has included the provision as part of the revised fare structure to bring clarity to charges for passengers carrying heavier luggage.

Night fare to be 1.5 times normal rate

Autorickshaw passengers travelling during the night will also have to pay a higher fare.

Between 10 pm and 5 am, drivers will be permitted to charge 1.5 times the prescribed fare.

The night-time provision applies to the revised meter fare and is intended to account for the different operating conditions during late-night hours.

Passengers travelling during this period should therefore expect the applicable fare to be higher than the normal daytime rate.

Fare charts to be displayed in autos

The RTA has directed autorickshaw owners and drivers to prominently display the approved fare chart inside their vehicles.

The chart should be placed where passengers can easily see it.

The move is aimed at improving transparency and ensuring that passengers can check the applicable fare before or during a journey.

Drivers have also been instructed to collect the revised meter fare corresponding to the distance travelled rather than charging an amount above the prescribed rate.

Digital meters to be recalibrated

With the new fares coming into effect from November 1, autorickshaw digital meters will have to be recalibrated and sealed according to the revised rates.

The RTA has directed owners and drivers to complete the process within the stipulated period.

The recalibration of meters is important because passengers will be charged according to the fare displayed by the meter for the distance travelled.

The requirement is also expected to reduce disputes caused by differences between the fare displayed on meters and the rates announced by the transport authorities.

Action against overcharging

The RTA has warned autorickshaw drivers and owners against collecting more than the prescribed fare.

Authorities have been instructed to take action against violations of the revised fare rules.

Drivers found overcharging passengers or violating other provisions could face legal penalties, including fines. Depending on the nature of the violation, action may also include suspension or cancellation of permits.

The enforcement measures are intended to ensure that the revised fare structure benefits both passengers and autorickshaw operators without leading to arbitrary charges.

Fresh revision follows fare confusion

The latest order comes after confusion over autorickshaw fares in Dakshina Kannada in recent months.

An earlier revision had fixed the minimum fare at Rs 40 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 20 for each subsequent kilometre. However, the implementation of the revised rates was delayed, leading to disagreements between drivers and passengers over meter readings and the amount to be paid.

The RTA has now issued a fresh order fixing the subsequent kilometre rate at Rs 23 and specifying the other charges applicable from November 1.

The revised structure is expected to provide greater clarity for passengers and drivers and bring the fare system in line with the latest order.

New fares take effect on November 1

The revised rates will apply across Dakshina Kannada from November 1.

Until then, passengers and autorickshaw operators will continue to follow the currently applicable fare arrangements.

Once the new rates come into effect, the prominently displayed fare chart and recalibrated meters are expected to make it easier for passengers to verify the fare for their journey.

The RTA has also stressed that drivers must collect only the prescribed amount and that violations will invite action.

Conclusion

Autorickshaw fares in Dakshina Kannada will be revised from November 1, with the minimum fare fixed at Rs 40 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 23 for every additional kilometre. The new rules also cover waiting, luggage and night charges, while drivers must display fare charts and recalibrate their meters.

The revised structure follows earlier confusion over fare implementation and is intended to provide a standardised system for autorickshaw passengers and drivers across the district.