[john.sw]

Beginning January 26 2007, a two-km ride in an autorickshaw in Chennai will cost Rs.14. And Rs. 6 more for each additional km.

Transport Minister K.N. Nehru on Wednesday said that the State Government hiked the minimum fare from Rs. 7 to Rs. 14 for the first two km and from Rs. 3.50 to Rs. 6 for every subsequent km.

"The new rates have been decided in consultation with autorickshaw unions and consumer fora," he said. The Government engaged the services of Anna University to arrive at a "just and rational" fare structure, taking into consideration the prevailing rates in the neighbouring States.

The Government fixed a waiting charge of 40 paise for every 5 minutes. For trips between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., the commuters would be charged 25 per cent more than the revised rate.

Autorickshaw owners must replace mechanical meters with electronic ones within six months and upgrade the existing electronic meters within 45 days. The Government would help in arranging a bank loan of Rs. 2,000 for replacing meters. Autorickshaw drivers should carry a revised fare card from January 26 for the passenger's reference.

http://www.hindu.com...11104860100.htm

[iwanttogoback]

how does this compare with other major cities in india?

[jyotirmoy]

Can't comment as Delhi autos almost never goes by meter !!!