Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Jan 10: Here's some good news for auto rickshaw commuters in the city. The regional transport authority has revised the auto fares and brought down the minimum charge from Rs 25 to Rs 20.

After a review of price structure prevailing presently and taking into consideration various factors like reduction in fuel prices, the auto fares have been revised with effect from January 12.

The revised fares are as follows:

Rs 20 for first 1.5 km (for 3 passengers)
Rs 13 for every km thereafter (for 3 passengers)

Waiting charges - First 15 minutes free
For the next 45 minutes - 25% of the fare

Luggage charges - 20 kg free
Rs 2 for every 20 kg of additional luggage or part of it

Night charges - The auto driver can charge one-and-a-half times the above mentioned fare only between 10 pm and 5 am.

The RTA has also issued these guidelines to auto rikshaw owners and drivers:

The table of fares should be displayed prominently in all auto rickshaws.

Auto rickshaws within MCC limits that ferry passengers outside the city limits can charge one-and-a-half times the above fare.

All autos should have digital meters and those meters should be upgraded to revised fares before January 31, failing which, strict action would be taken against violators.