By Apurva Bhatt

After the BEST raised its fares in April, its now turn for the autowallah’s of Mumbai. The Mumbai Rickshawmen Union, demanded a fare hike of Re 1 from May 1. The state transport department is yet to take a call on the demand, with commuter activists opposing any hike. 

Union leader Thampy Kurien said, "We are convinced about a fare hike. We are submitting our latest calculations." The taxi union has now claimed that if auto fares are hiked, the taxi tariff will also go up by at least Re 1. Presently, the minimum fare for autos is Rs 17 while it is Rs 21 for taxis.

 Activist G R Vora said there is no need to hike fares. "The state must, if possible, give a conditional hike: improve service, reduce refusals and get a fare hike." A transport official said: "Our calculation showed the hike will be no more than 50 paise. In such cases, we do not announce a hike at all."