Auto unions say they don’t want any hike in fare

NEW DELHI: Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced that their fares would be revised on April 1 every year. He had also constituted a four-member fare-fixation committee which was supposed to come up with a formula that will be used every year to revise fares automatically.

However, the All Delhi AutoTaxi Transport Congress Union also said that such a hike was unlikely. But the union is planning a protest against cab aggregators sometime around Diwali. “A protest is planned and we are also in talks with Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ajay Maken for moving court against these cab aggregators. But, we do not want any fare revision in auto-rickshaws or our economy taxis,” said Kishan Verma, president of ADATTCU.

He added that after the three-day strike of auto-rickshaw drivers in July, the government had also offered to revise auto fares, but unions unanimously refused the proposal. Last revised in 2013, the base fare for autos is Rs 25 for the first two kilometers and Rs 8 for every subsequent kilometer.

Government officials confirmed the development. “Fares are not going to be increased any time soon as the unions themselves do not want it. Their concern about cab aggregators are being dealt by the committee, constituted under the directions of the Delhi High Court,” an official said.