GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 2nd Feb. The revised fares for Mumbai’s autorickshaws and taxis, which include a ₹3 increase in the base fare, were set to come into effect on February 1 but have been delayed due to challenges in recalibrating electronic meters. The state transport department has yet to finalize a schedule for meter repairers, and the new fare chips are still being programmed, delaying the implementation.
Meter recalibration is crucial to ensure accurate fare calculations after the revision. Until the process is completed, the transport department has introduced QR code-based tariff cards, allowing only vehicles displaying these cards or using recalibrated meters to charge the new fares.
Under the revised fare structure, the base fare for autorickshaws has increased from ₹23 to ₹26, while black-and-yellow taxis now charge ₹31 instead of ₹28. Blue-and-silver AC cool cabs have seen a more significant hike, with fares rising from ₹40 to ₹48 for the first 1.5 kilometers, as confirmed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA).
Meter repairers have expressed uncertainty over the recalibration timeline, stating they have yet to receive clear guidelines from the transport department. A repairer revealed that an internal meeting was held on January 27 to discuss recalibration, but they are still awaiting final instructions. Without procedural details and pricing confirmation, recalibration work cannot commence.
As a result of the delay, passengers continue paying older fares, and drivers remain in limbo, waiting for updated tariff charts from Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). The RTOs must guide meter repairers on procedures, jurisdiction, and recalibration charges before enforcing the new fares.
One major concern is the cost of recalibration. The government has set the price at ₹700 per meter, which includes ₹280 for the programmed chip and ₹100 for testing. However, repairers argue that market rates are higher, making it unfeasible for them to operate at the government’s fixed price. Some meter repairers claim that following the government’s pricing would lead to financial losses.
On the other hand, taxi and auto unions believe ₹700 is too high and are calling for a reduction to ₹400-500 to ease the financial burden on drivers. A union leader stated that drivers should not have to bear excessive costs for recalibration and urged the government to reconsider pricing.
Once recalibration begins, installing a new chip is expected to take 8-10 minutes, followed by a one-to-two-day testing phase. Mumbai has 12 testing centres where recalibrated meters will be verified before being sealed and installed.
To expedite the process, the RTO has implemented a 13-point recalibration procedure, which includes CCTV monitoring at repair centres and a deadline of April 30 for completion. An RTO officer emphasized that drivers must ensure their meters are updated before the deadline to avoid penalties.
Despite these measures, the ongoing delay means that commuters remain unaffected by the fare hike—for now.
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