Transport Minister A. Vijay Promises Prompt Fare Decision, Union Disappointed
CHENNAI, September 10 — The Tamil Nadu transport minister, A. Vijay, addressed the mounting pressure from auto‑rickshaw unions ahead of their scheduled September 19 protest. While unions demand a swift revision of meter fares that have stayed static for thirteen years, the minister indicated that a decision would be announced shortly.
Union leaders have mobilised drivers to assemble near the Egmore Rajarathinam Stadium, urging the state to issue an immediate order on fare adjustments. They contend that roughly five lakh auto‑rickshaw drivers are grappling with rising fuel costs, vehicle upkeep, and insurance liabilities.
During the August 27 consultation, the federations presented a fare framework proposing Rs 60‑70 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 25‑30 for each extra kilometre. Passenger representatives who joined the talks voiced support for the proposal.
The unified demand now seeks a flat Rs 60 for the first 1.5 km, followed by Rs 30 per additional kilometre, plus distinct waiting‑time and night‑time surcharges. Unions argue repeated negotiations since the Vijay administration took office in May have yielded no firm commitment.
Drivers had hoped a resolution would surface during the legislative debate on the transport department’s grant request. Instead, Minister Vijay’s statement that a decision would be disclosed "soon" left the unions feeling let down.
A government committee earlier recommended a base fare of Rs 40 with Rs 18 per kilometre for 2024, a suggestion that remains pending. Current talks suggest a revised base fare of Rs 50 with a per‑kilometre charge ranging from Rs 22 to Rs 25.
The unions point out that the last fare revision in 2013 set the minimum at Rs 25 for the first 1.8 km and Rs 12 for each subsequent kilometre — rates they claim are far below present operating expenses, rendering meter‑based fares unrealistic.
Commuters have also reported that app‑based aggregators impose hidden premiums, while some drivers are demanding charges exceeding the unions’ proposed figures.
The unions are pressing for a viable fare structure, stricter regulation of aggregators, and prompt redress of grievances. Authorities maintain that any final order will be based on the committee’s recommendations, but unions stress that only a time‑bound directive can avert the looming strike.