Now Reading: Dakshina Kannada autorickshaw per-km fare hiked to Rs 23
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Dakshina Kannada autorickshaw per-km fare hiked to Rs 23
The Dakshina Kannada Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has revised autorickshaw fares again, increasing the per-kilometre charge from Rs 20 to Rs 23 effective November 1. The minimum fare of Rs 40 for the first 1.5 km, set on August 28, remains unchanged.
In a notification issued on October 1, the RTA said the earlier August 28 notification did not consider the previous per-km fare of Rs 20 fixed in November 2022. Drivers and owners had sought a minimum fare of Rs 50 and a per-km rate of Rs 30 due to rising fuel and spare parts costs. However, the RTA stated that such a steep hike could discourage public use and disadvantage operators.
The RTA directed operators to display the approved fare chart and recalibrate fare meters. Waiting charges are nil for the first 10 minutes and Rs 5 for the next 15 minutes. Night fares between 10 pm and 5 am will be one-and-a-half times the normal rate.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The RTA has balanced operator demands against the risk of losing passengers to alternatives, notably app-based cabs and two-wheelers. The rejected demands for a Rs 50 minimum and Rs 30 per-km fare show the authority is prioritising ridership over full cost recovery. Operators now face the cost and logistical burden of recalibrating meters before the November 1 deadline. The unchanged minimum fare means short trips remain unchanged, while longer journeys become more expensive. The real test is whether the 15% per-km hike will improve operator incomes enough without pushing commuters to other modes.
Source: thehindu.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
