Mumbai: Your daily commute is set to become slightly more expensive from next month with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) approving a fare hike for autorickshaws and taxis across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Under the revised rates, the minimum autorickshaw fare will increase by Re 1, from Rs 26 to Rs 27 for the first 1.5km, while the minimum fare for black-and-yellow taxis will rise by Rs 2, from Rs 31 to Rs 33.The fare revision, which was approved on Thursday, will come into effect from September 1 in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, Vasai-Virar and Panvel. Officials said the timing coincides with fare revisions scheduled in Pune.The last major fare hike came into effect in February 2025, following an earlier increase in 2022.While unions have welcomed the latest revision as necessary for the survival of drivers, commuter groups have urged authorities to strike a balance between the financial challenges faced by transport operators and the rising cost-of-living burden on Mumbaikars.Transport unions had been pressing for a fare revision, arguing that operating costs have risen steadily over the past few years. Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union leader Thampy Kurien said the proposal was based on representations highlighting higher fuel prices, vehicle maintenance expenses, insurance premiums and permit-related costs.Auto and taxi operators contend that while passenger demand has recovered, driver incomes have not kept pace with the sharp rise in expenses. An autorickshaw driver pointed out that CNG prices have climbed significantly, touching around Rs 86/kg, placing additional pressure on daily earnings.Taxi unions had sought a steeper increase. Fredrick D’Sa of the Mumbai Taximen’s Union said the organisation had requested the transport commissioner’s office to recommend a minimum Rs 4 increase in the starting taxi fare. However, the MMRTA approved a hike of Rs 2.Sources indicated that minimum fares for shared autorickshaws and taxis may also be increased by a rupee, though a final decision is yet to be taken by transport authorities and unions.The Fare Hike: In A NutshellAutorickshaw* Existing minimum fare: Rs 26* Revised fare: Rs 27; for subsequent km: Rs 18/kmTaxi* Existing minimum fare: Rs 31* Revised fare: Rs 33; for subsequent km: Rs 33/km# PREVIOUS FARE HIKES IN MMR# AutorickshawMonth ….. Fare (minimum) ….. Fare (per km)February 2025 ……Rs 26……….Rs 17.14October 2022…….Rs 23………..Rs 15.33March 2021…Rs 21………..Rs 14.20June 2015…..Rs 18 …………Rs 12.19August 2014….Rs 17…………..Rs 11.33October 2012 ……..Rs 15 ………….Rs 9.86# TaxiMonth …. Fare (min) ….. Fare (per km)February 2025 …….Rs 31………..Rs 20.66October 2022……..Rs 28……….Rs 18.66March 2021….Rs 25………Rs 16.93June 2015 …….Rs 22………Rs 14.84August 2014 ……Rs 21……….Rs 13.96October 2012 …………Rs 19 ………Rs 12.35# Mumbai’s auto-taxi population3 lakh registered autos30,000 taxis
