New fare structure in Mumbai: Here's what auto, taxi, and bus riders need to know!

In a significant decision affecting daily commuters, the State Transport Authority and Mumbai Metropolitan Road Transport Authority (MMRTA) have approved a fare hike for auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses in Mumbai. This move follows a series of petitions from public transport unions requesting fare increases to address the rising operational costs.

Under the new fare structure, which will be implemented shortly, auto-rickshaw fares will increase by Rs 2, while taxi and public bus fares will rise by Rs 3. Auto-rickshaw and taxi unions had previously requested base fares of Rs 26 and Rs 31, respectively, up from the current fares of Rs 23 and Rs 28. Once the government issues a notification, auto-rickshaws and taxis will be given time to recalibrate their electronic meters to reflect the new fares.

In a related development, the MMRTA is also considering the creation of new taxi stands at high-demand locations, such as near Metro 3 stations and railway hubs, to better serve commuters.

For those traveling on air-conditioned buses in Thane, there's some relief, as the MMRTA is contemplating a 35-50% reduction in AC bus fares, aimed at providing affordable options for longer journeys.

While the revised fare charts are yet to be formally announced, a notification from the authorities is expected soon. Commuters in Mumbai are advised to stay informed about these upcoming fare changes, which are likely to affect their daily travel costs.