The recalibration of electronic meters for taxis and autorickshaws in Mumbai has not yet started, even five days after the fare hike was announced. The delay has led to confusion in drivers, repairers, and passengers.
Owing to this, fare disputes have increased as some drivers are charging new rates without updated meters.
It is pertinent to note that the fare hike has been in effect since February 1. However, meter repairers claim they have not received clear instructions on the recalibration process, costs, or regulations. Besides, transport officials have reportedly claimed that there has been no change in these aspects.
Recalibration is a process that happens after a fare revision to make sure accurate fare calculations are visible in the meter. Since the process has not begun, the transport department has introduced QR code-based rate cards as a temporary solution. Only vehicles displaying these rate cards or using recalibrated meters can charge the new fares.
Meter repairers claim they have not received clear instructions on the recalibration process, costs, or regulations. However, transport officials have reportedly claimed that there has been no change in these aspects.
The government has set the recalibration cost at INR 700 per meter. This includes INR 100 for testing and INR 280 for the programmed chip. However, repairers have reportedly argued that these rates are unrealistic, as market costs are higher.
Another issue is the rule, which mandates vehicles to be serviced only at repairers under the RTO where they are registered. Vehicle owners have opposed this and want the freedom to visit repairers nearby them.
This has caused disagreements between repairers and Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). A recent meeting between the two sides failed to resolve the issue. Repairers have been told to approach the state transport department, which oversees all RTOs.
It has also affected passengers. Some drivers are charging the increased fares without a tariff card or updated fare chart. To address this, the government has distributed fare charts to taxi and auto unions. Drivers have been asked to display them.
Mumbai has more than 4 lakh autorickshaws and 20,000 taxis.
The latest fare hikes are:
- The base fare for autorickshaws has been increased from INR 23 to INR 26.
- Black-and-yellow taxis will now charge INR 31 instead of INR 28.
- The fare for blue-and-silver AC taxis has increased from INR 40 to INR 48 for the first 1.5 km.
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