Fares of taxi, auto likely to increase soon

Fares of taxi, auto likely to increase soon

Shwetha S. Bangalore



Taxi and autorickshaw fares are likely to increase if the state government accedes to the demand of an auto drivers' association.
The Adarsh Auto Association has petitioned the government to increase the fare in the light of the Rs2.53 hike in auto-gas, which came into force on December 1. The liquified petroleum gas (LPG) for automobiles now costs Rs32.97 a litre in the city, compared to its November 30 price of Rs30.44.
"As there has been a hike of Rs2.53 in auto-gas price, we are requesting the deputy commissioner to increase the minimum fare from Rs 14 to Rs15. The minimum fare covers the ride up to the first two kms," N Manjunath, president of the association, said.
Around 10% of the seven lakh cars plying in the city have engines with dual-fuel capabilities. Apart from this, about 1.15 lakh autorickshaws also run on LPG. Likewise, most of the 1,500 cabs in the city are also LPG-powered.
A functionary of the drivers' association said on the condition of anonymity that the drivers will demand more in accordance with the price rise. "Such a demand is only fair on the part of the drivers," he added.