Tamil Nadu Shocker: Auto Fares In Chennai, Other Cities To Become Too Costly From This Date - Know Deets

Residents of Tamil Nadu are in for a shock as autorickshaw fares are set to see a significant hike starting February 1, 2025. The new fare structure includes a sharp increase in both base and per-kilometre charges, as well as additional surcharges for late-night travel and waiting times.

New Fare Structure

• Minimum Fare: ₹50 for the first 1.8 km (up from ₹25)
• Per Additional Kilometre: ₹18 (up from ₹12)
• Waiting Charges: ₹1.50 per minute
• Night Surcharge: 50% extra for services between 11 PM and 5 AM

The revised fares are expected to impact daily commuters and occasional passengers alike, with substantial increases compared to the existing rates.

Why the Fare Hike?

Autorickshaw unions have unilaterally implemented the new rates, citing financial strain due to rising household expenses, spare parts costs, insurance premiums, and RTO fees.

Zahir Hussain, State Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Urimai Kural Driver Trade Union, explained the reasoning behind the move.

"For years, we've protested and submitted petitions for fare revisions, but no official action was taken. The rising operational costs have left us with no choice but to implement the new fares independently," he stated.

What Passengers Should Know

Passengers are urged to prepare for the fare changes and budget accordingly for their daily commute. Those traveling late at night or requiring extended waiting times should anticipate additional surcharges.

The unilateral implementation of these rates reflects the ongoing challenges faced by autorickshaw drivers, highlighting the need for regulatory oversight to balance affordability for passengers and sustainability for drivers.