Mumbai: Ten days after the revised fares for taxis and autorickshaws came into effect in Mumbai, the recalibration of meters has yet to begin, causing confusion among both drivers and commuters.
The new fares, implemented by the state transport department, require drivers to either recalibrate their meters or display a QR code-based tariff card issued by the department. However, the delay in the recalibration process has left many drivers unable to charge the updated rates.
Meter Recalibration Yet to Begin
Despite the fare revision, the process of meter recalibration has not started, leaving many taxi and autorickshaw drivers in a difficult position. “The government announced the fare hike, but meter recalibration is yet to start. On top of that, meter repairers are demanding extra money for the process,” said Ramnarayan Yadav (48), a taxi driver with over two decades of experience in Mumbai.
Autorickshaw driver Mahendra Kamble (34), who operates in Kurla, echoed similar concerns. “It seems like proper planning was not done before announcing the revised fares. The authorities should have ensured a smooth recalibration process,” he said.
Commuters and Drivers Facing Confusion
With many meters still displaying old fares, some drivers are charging the previous rates, while others insist on the new fares. A commuter who took an autorickshaw from Chembur shared his experience: “At the end of the ride, the driver told me his meter was not recalibrated and asked me to pay as per the old fare. However, some other drivers are demanding the revised rates despite their meters not being updated, leading to confusion.”
Transport officials have acknowledged the issue but claim that the confusion is being resolved. “We are working to expedite the recalibration process. It will start soon, and all issues will be sorted out,” an official stated.
