Mangaluru: The minimum Auto fare has been fixed to Rs 23, from March 1. The district administration had reduced the minimum auto fare from Rs 25 to Rs 20 but the auto drivers and owners staged a protest keeping their autos off road for three days.
In a press release sent by the Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim, it is mentioned that the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), after a thorough study of various expenses for autorickshaw operations, revised the minimum fares to Rs 23, which will come into effect from March 1.
From March 1, the minimum auto fare upto 1.5 km will be Rs 23 and Rs 13 for every additional kilometer (three passengers). There will be no waiting charge upto 15 minutes, above 15 minutes the waiting charge will be 25% of the meter charge. Luggage above 20 kg will be charged Rs 2 for every kilo. From 10:00 pm to 5:00 am, auto drivers are allowed to charge only 1.5 of the normal fare.
The revised minimum charges should be displayed on every auto behind the driver’s seat and the permit number along with the photograph and contact number of the driver should be also displayed. Digital meters should be compulsorily installed in every auto.