A rise in auto, taxi fares on cards from next month?

New Delhi, Apr 29 (UNI) Beginning next month, travelling by bus, auto or taxi could be costlier in Delhi with the state government contemplating an almost two fold hike in fares of autos and taxis while effecting a substantial hike in the bus fares.

A fare revision committee set up by the Delhi Government to look into the demands by various auto and taxi unions as well as the bus operators to hike the fares, in view of a considerable rise in CNG and diesel prices since the last hike in 2002, has recommended an over two fold increase in fares, sources said.

In what could mean a severe dent on the pocket of the daily commuter, the fare fixation committee, headed by Delhi Finance Secretary and comprising the planning secretary of Delhi and many officers of the Delhi Transport department, has recommended increase in auto fares from Rs 8 for the first one kilometre to Rs 15 and the per km rate to Rs 5, from Rs 3.50 at present, the sources said.

Further, the rate for taxis is proposed to be increased from Rs 13 at present for the first one-kilometer to Rs 30 while the operators have demanded increase in per km rate from Rs 7 to Rs 10.

However, what could pinch the common man the most is the recommendation for an increase in DTC fares.

Sources said the committee has recommended hiking the lowest bus fare from Rs 2 at present to Rs 3 or Rs 5. Further, revision in slabs, from the present slabs of Rs 2, Rs 5 and Rs 7, to Rs 5 and Rs 10, or Rs 3, Rs 6, Rs 9 and Rs 12 has been recommended.

More UNI