Taxis, Autos in Mumbai Demand Higher Fare, Go on Strike
Demanding hike in fares, over 80000 taxis and nearly one lakh autos went on strike today in Mumbai causing troubles to commuters, said media reports.
Drivers announced a strike at midnight on Monday, demanding that fares be revised as they are paying more now for CNG, reports said.
Following a meeting with union leaders, Maharashtra Transport Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said that he turned down the demands of taxi drivers for higher fares but was considering demands of auto drivers, said reports.
Auto unions want the base price (fare for the first kilometer) to be increased from Rs 9 to Rs 11. They further demand that every additional kilometer should cost commuters Rs 6.50.
The Maharashtra government is expected to meet on Wednesday to consider these demands, reports said.
Taxi drivers want the minimum fare for black and yellow taxis to go from Rs 14 to Rs 16.
Tuesday’s strike, which held the city hostage, has been called by Swabhimaan; an organisation set up by Nitesh Rana, whose father, Narayan Rane is a minister in the Maharashtra government.
(Based on internet reports)
