Mangaluru, November 17: Following the demands placed by auto rickshaw drivers for rise in fares, Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim convened a meeting to discuss on the matter at his office here on Tuesday November 17th.
Yadav Maroli, president of Auto Drivers’ Horata Samiti said, as there is hike in prices of daily commodities, spare parts of auto rickshaws and other items had been affecting them and hence there was a necessity to hike the auto fares. He said their income of Rs 100 a day is not enough to meet the family needs. Out of 20 spare parts used in an auto rickshaw, prices of 14 have increased significantly, he said.
Social activist Hanumanth Kamath said, the price rise in daily commodities had also affected the general public and not only the auto drivers. He said, a hike in auto fares would burden the public even more. He also complained that out of about 6,000 auto rickshaws running in the city, over 600 still charge Rs 25 as minimum fare, but the police had turned a blind eye to the issue.
DC A B Ibrahim listened to the opinions put forth by all and said that in a week’s time, a decision would be taken. He also asked the RTA to collect adequate information on the matter by then.
At present, the minimum auto fare is Rs 23 for the first 1.5 kilometres and Rs 13 for every kilometre thereafter. Auto drivers can charge one-and-half-times the normal fare between 10 pm and 5 am.
SP Dr SD Sharanappa, assistant RTO G S Hegde, and others were present during the meeting.
