Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 22: The confusion over auto-rickshaw fares in Dakshina Kannada district continues, with driver and owner associations standing firm on their demands before recalibrating their meters.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Darshan H V, who also heads the District Transport Authority, had issued an order in the third week of August revising auto fares and announcing that the new rates would come into effect from September 1. However, with the revised fares not officially implemented even by the third week of September, passengers have been left confused.

The DC's order stated that the minimum fare for the first 1.5 km would be increased from Rs 35 to Rs 40, and the fare for every subsequent kilometre would be hiked from Rs 17 to Rs 20. However, auto meters still display the minimum fare as Rs 35. This has led to frequent arguments, with some drivers demanding the revised fare while passengers refuse to pay extra based on the meter reading.

Before revising the fares, a meeting was held in the presence of the DC and the Regional Transport Officer (RTO), involving auto association leaders and the public, to gather opinions.

"We had requested a hike in the minimum fare for the first 1.5 km from Rs 35 to Rs 50. However, it was increased only to Rs 40. We had also demanded that the per-kilometre fare thereafter be increased from Rs 20 to Rs 25. But they showed the old rate as Rs 17 and increased it to Rs 20," alleged an auto association leader.

He added that they had received assurances regarding a further revision. "If the old rates are continued, associations are discussing a strike by taking autos off the roads. Currently, all drivers are charging the old fare, so passengers need not be confused," he said.

An office-bearer of the Dakshina Kannada Autorickshaw Drivers and Owners Association Federation in Mangaluru city stated, "The prices of LPG, CNG, and daily commodities have gone up, making a fare hike essential for auto drivers to earn a livelihood. We have decided not to recalibrate the meters unless the per-kilometre fare after the initial 1.5 km is revised. We have met people's representatives to request this. The RTO has assured us that the issue will be resolved by the end of September."

Another auto drivers' association leader echoed these sentiments. "Although we demanded Rs 50 as the minimum fare, they set it at Rs 40, which we accepted. However, we oppose continuing the current rate for subsequent kilometres. The District Transport Authority made a unilateral decision, which is why no one has implemented the revised fare."

An auto driver explained the process of changing the meter fare. "After the DC's order, it must be sent to the Legal Metrology Department, which then instructs the meter service agencies to update and seal the meters. There are two agencies in Mangaluru, at Pandeshwar and Bunder. Recalibrating a meter costs Rs 400. With 6,850 CNG and LPG autos and 3,000 electric autos in the city, all of them would require this change."

Sources in the RTO stated, "The auto associations have submitted their grievances. We will discuss the matter with the deputy commissioner and issue a final order by the end of September."

Another auto drivers' association clarified, "During the 2022 fare revision, it was ordered to charge Rs 20 for every subsequent kilometre after the initial 1.5 km. We have documents to prove this, and Rs 20 is currently being charged, which is also reflected in the meters. Our demand is to increase the existing Rs 20 to Rs 23 or Rs 25."

According to RTO data, the district has a total of 22,888 auto-rickshaws, comprising various fuel types, including petrol, diesel, electric, LPG, and CNG.