Auto, taxi fares in the state will be hiked very soon. The Justice Ramachandran Committee has already recommended that the fares for rental vehicles should be increased proportionately in the wake of rising fuel prices. Transport Minister Antony Raju also indicated that the government is thinking the same way. The rate hike will come into effect once it is formally approved by the cabinet.

According to the committee, the minimum fare for autorickshaws should be increased from Rs 25 to Rs 30. The committee does not seem to be aware of the fact that 99 percent of all autos currently operate at this rate. The committee also recommended that the per kilometre fare for autorickshaws shall be increased from Rs 12 to Rs 15. There will also be a special charge for nighttime service. Taxi fares will be based on their size. It is recommended that the minimum charge be increased to 210 and 240. The committee recommended that the per kilometre fare for small cars and big cars should be increased to Rs 18 and Rs 20 respectively.

While it is generally acceptable to increase fares for rental vehicles as fuel prices continue to rise on a daily basis, complaints have been raised that common people are forced to pay fares that are higher than that notified by the government. Most of the passengers are hesitant to complain about excessive fares. It is no secret that passengers are being exploited in this arena. Meters should be made mandatory for autorickshaws in both urban and rural areas. Disputes can be avoided if auto drivers charge wages according to the rates displayed on the vehicles. The auto drivers should not charge excessive amounts as the new rates are fixed after calculating the cost of the return journey. The vast majority of autorickshaw drivers accept only what is shown in meters and treat passengers very well. However, a small section of autorickshaw drivers is bringing disrepute to such people as well. The system in which the passengers can share the fares must be introduced in the state. Passengers will also get relief on fare. The government last increased auto-taxi fares in the state in 2018. The sharp rise in fuel prices over the past four years has been unaffordable. Rental rates should have been increased fairly earlier. Not only autos and taxis but the entire transport sector is suffering due to the rising fuel prices. Private bus owners have announced a strike demanding a hike in bus fares. Transport Corporation has no major worries as the government will be making up for the loss of the Corporation. Freight vehicles often raise their rent on their own from time to time. This is reflected in the markets as well. Even if rental rates are revised now, the intended effect may not be achieved as fuel prices fluctuate frequently.