Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 19: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) has directed app-based cab and auto-rickshaw aggregators, including Uber, Ola and Rapido, to adopt the fare structure of traditional black-and-yellow taxis.

As per the MMRTA order issued on September 16, the fare has been fixed at Rs 20.66 per km for non-AC vehicles and Rs 22.72 per km for AC vehicles. The new rates had to be implemented by 5 pm on September 18.

The directive allows fares to be discounted by 25 percent during low demand and increased up to 1.5 times in peak hours. Drivers will receive 80 percent of the fare share, officials said.

Sources revealed that the decision came after strong pressure from app-based taxi and rickshaw unions, which had threatened agitation if fares were not revised. Passengers are now expected to pay at least Rs 5 more per kilometre compared to earlier app-based rates.

Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Gig Kamgar Manch staged a protest at the Transport Commissioner’s office, raising slogans against Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik. The union has warned of a larger agitation on September 30 if fare hikes and licences for bike taxis are not implemented.