TN set to revise auto-rickshaw fares after 13 years, unions submit representations

Chennai: Auto-rickshaw fares in Tamil Nadu are set to be revised after a gap of 13 years, with the State Transport Authority submitting a detailed proposal to the government following consultations with trade unions and passenger representatives.

Transport Authority officials said the report recommending a revision of fares has been forwarded to the Tamil Nadu Home Department and a decision on the new tariff is expected shortly.

Tamil Nadu has around 3.46 lakh auto-rickshaws, and the existing fare structure has remained unchanged for nearly 13 years. Auto drivers and trade unions have been pressing the government for a revision, citing the sharp increase in fuel prices, maintenance expenses, insurance premiums and other operational costs during the period.

As part of the exercise to determine a revised fare structure, a tripartite meeting involving government officials, auto-rickshaw trade unions and passenger organisations was held in Chennai on July 9. More than 30 representatives and office-bearers of trade unions participated in the consultation, along with around 90 representatives from passenger organisations.

The two sides, however, put forward differing proposals on the minimum fare. Auto-rickshaw trade unions sought an increase in the minimum fare to Rs 70, arguing that the existing tariff was no longer viable considering the substantial rise in operating expenses over the past decade.

Passenger organisations, while acknowledging the need for a revision, urged the government to keep the minimum fare at Rs 50 to ensure that auto travel remained affordable, particularly for daily commuters.

Following the consultations, Transport Authority officials examined the proposals submitted by both sides and prepared a comprehensive report for the government’s consideration. Officials said the report takes into account the major points raised during the tripartite discussions as well as several factors that influence auto-rickshaw operating costs.

The Authority has also studied prevailing fuel prices and auto-rickshaw fare structures in other major cities before arriving at its recommendations. The report has now been submitted to the Home Department, which oversees transport-related regulatory matters, for further consideration.

Officials said the state government is expected to examine the recommendations before finalising the revised minimum fare and subsequent per-kilometre charges. Once approved, the new tariff will mark the first major revision of auto-rickshaw fares in Tamil Nadu in 13 years and will apply to around 3.46 lakh vehicles operating across the state.