Commuting across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region has become significantly costlier for daily passengers. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority has officially approved a fare hike for both auto-rickshaws and black-and-yellow taxis. The revised fare structure has come into effect starting today, September 1, placing an additional financial burden on regular commuters who rely on public transport services.
Revised Fare Structure Details
According to official figures, the minimum fare for an auto-rickshaw has been raised from 26 rupees to 27 rupees. Meanwhile, the minimum fare for a black-and-yellow taxi has gone up from 31 rupees to 33 rupees, which covers the initial distance of 1.5 kilometers. A Regional Transport Office official stated that the distance-based rate for auto-rickshaws has increased from 17.14 rupees per kilometer to 18.22 rupees per kilometer. Similarly, the rate for black-and-yellow taxis has been hiked from 20.66 rupees per kilometer to 21.90 rupees per kilometer.
Meter Calibration and Compliance
The newly approved rates apply throughout the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers are required to calibrate their electronic fare meters according to the revised tariffs before they can legally collect the higher fares from passengers. For vehicles where meters have not yet been updated, drivers must display an RTO-approved fare chart inside the vehicle to charge passengers under the new rates. The approval by MMRTA means passengers must pay increased rates for their daily journeys, impacting household budgets for those dependent on these transit options.
CNG and PNG Price Hikes
Alongside transport fare revisions, Mahanagar Gas Limited has raised fuel prices in Mumbai starting September 1. CNG prices have gone up by 2 rupees per kilogram, reaching 88 rupees per kilogram, while domestic PNG prices have increased by 1 rupee per SCM. The company attributed these hikes to rising gas acquisition costs driven by the Middle East crisis and an increased reliance on expensive imported spot RLNG to meet rising consumer demand. Previously, on May 30, Mahanagar Gas Limited had similarly hiked CNG prices by 2 rupees per kilogram, taking the rate to 86 rupees per kilogram at the time.
