New Fare, Old Meters: Mumbai Auto-Taxi Updates Yet To Begin

Test tracks have been set up at Sub-Regional Transport Offices (RTO) across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region for the inspection of auto-rickshaws and taxis whose meters have been updated as per the new fare rates. The recalibration process on these tracks ensures that only vehicles with updated meters are allowed to operate. However, even after ten days since the implementation of the revised fares, the process of updating the meters has not started yet, according to a Lokmat report.

Meter Updates In Mumbai

The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Transport Authority (MMRTA) announced a fare hike for auto-rickshaws and taxis last month. The new fares officially came into effect on 1 February. Despite this, the process of updating meters in rickshaws and taxis remains stalled. Transport officials have stated that the delay is due to the ongoing testing of the prototype program needed to recalibrate meters as per the new rates.

Meter Updates Challenges

There are over four lakh auto-rickshaws and taxis operating in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The inspection of each vehicle takes approximately 20 minutes. Maharashtra Navnirman Vahak Sena General Secretary, Popatrao Jankar, has raised concerns that the current timeframe, which extends till April, is insufficient. He has urged authorities to extend the deadline for meter updates.

Transport Office Meeting

A meeting was held at the RTO office on Monday to address the issue of updating meters for around 3 to 4 lakh rickshaws and taxis in the region. Representatives from meter manufacturing companies, testing and repair agencies, and rickshaw-taxi associations attended the meeting to discuss solutions.

Locations Of Test Tracks

• Mumbai Central - 1 track
• Wadala - 2 tracks
• Andheri - 4 tracks
• Borivali - 3 tracks (1 in use, 2 to be built)
• Thane - 1 track
• Mira-Bhayander - 1 track
• Bhiwandi - 1 track

Official Statement

Bharat Kalaskar, Secretary of MMRTA (Mumbai Central), stated: "All meter manufacturers have been instructed to make the meter chip charges uniform and equal. Accordingly, recalibration will start from Tuesday."