MUMBAI: The biggest autorickshaw union of Mumbai, Mumbai Autorickshaw men's Union, on Wednesday announced that it was against a hike in autorickshaw or taxi fares as citizens were already burdened with inflation.
Taxi unions had demanded a hike of Rs 10 - minimum fare of Rs 35 - as CNG prices were hiked to an all-time high of Rs80 from Wednesday morning. The auto union decided to petition the government and Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL) to subsidize by fuel up to 40% for 2.32 lakh autorickshaws and nearly 20,000 taxis and 2100 BEST buses in Mumbai. "Why burden citizens with increased fares? Public transport needs to be accorded priority and government/MGL should subsidize gas rates only for autos, taxis and buses," said union leader Shashank Rao. He said initially they were pressing for hikes due to CNG prices going up by Rs30/kg iin the past one year.
While there was no comment on subsidy, MGL sources said that the present hikes were justified.
Mumbai Taximen's Union plans to go ahead with its petition of Rs35 minimum fare, which will be submitted by Monday. -
