Hiring an auto rickshaw or a taxi in Mumbai has become more expensive as fares for these means of transport have been hiked.

The minimum fare for a three-wheeler ride has been hiked from Rs 12 to Rs 15 in Mumbai. Hiring an auto rickshaw has become even costlier in Bhiwandi-Kalyan towns of Thane district, where minimum fare has been raised by Rs
4, from Rs 15 to Rs 19.

For a regular non-air-conditioned taxi, commuters will now have to spend a minimum fare of Rs. 19, which represents an increase of Rs 2 from previous minimum fare of Rs 17. Commuting in air-conditioned taxis will now cost a minimum of Rs 23, Rs 2 more than previous fare of Rs 21.

The state government permitted the hike in auto rickshaw and taxi fares so as to avoid distress to the common man as fifty-five thousand taxies across Mumbai had threatened to go on a strike.

Meanwhile, Transport commissioner V N More has asked all auto and taxi drivers to switch to e-meters within the prescribed timeframe of 45 days. He also warned that the department would take action against those who would fail to comply.

Speaking on the topic, Mr. More said, "Recalibration is a must and the deadline is November 25. From November 26, our officials will crack a whip on drivers who fail to comply."

It may be noted here that the latest hike is the third increase in fares over the last one year.