Commuters to Pay More for Travel
Written by Arvind Jadhav
Mumbai : The Maharashtra State ST Corporation has declared that the ST fare hike will become effective today, providing that auto, taxi, and bus fares in Mumbai will increase on February 1. Commuters have been hearing about the proposal to increase the fares of ST, autos, cabs, and city buses for a few days; however, Minister Sarnaik finally confirmed that the proposal had been approved yesterday.
Currently, the ST Corporation is losing nearly Rs 3 crore every day. Diesel prices rise on a daily basis, and ST staff salaries growth in addition. The ST Corporation has not hiked rates in the last three years and showed fulfillment with passenger services and facilities. Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that this hike is crucial for preserving financial stability.
A circular proposed ST charges hike is expected today, however the ST Corporation has stated that current facilities for students, monthly passes, and senior citizens will stay unchanged, as with the 50% travel fare concession for women. The ST Corporation has proposed a 14.97% fare raise to the state government, which has also been approved. Minister Sarnaik stated that the raise in rickshaw and taxi charges may be set from February 1.
The rickshaw and taxi associations demanded for an increase in the new rickshaw fare from Rs 23 to Rs 28 and the new taxi fare from Rs 26 to Rs 31. However, it has now been confirmed that rickshaw fare will be increased by Rs 2, while the cab and BEST bus fare will be increased by Rs 3 per kilometer. The rickshaw and taxi associations have expressed their displeasure with the government’s modest rate hike, and passengers are beginning to react negatively.
