Transport Department Approves Revision, Passengers Brace for Increased Travel Costs
Passengers commuting between Mumbai and key destinations like Pune, Shirdi, and Nashik via shared taxi services are poised to face a hike in fares, as confirmed by officials from the transport department. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority has given the green light for fare adjustments on both non-AC and AC taxis plying these routes, impacting travelers’ wallets.
Effective the impending implementation, passengers opting for AC taxis from Mumbai to Nashik and Shirdi will witness a ₹100 and ₹200 fare increase respectively. Similarly, commuters heading to Pune will also bear the brunt of the hike, with both AC and non-AC taxi fares set to rise by ₹50.
The revised fare structure dictates that AC taxi fares for the Mumbai-Nashik and Mumbai-Shirdi routes will stand at ₹575 and ₹825 respectively. Meanwhile, those traveling to Pune will have to shell out ₹500 for non-AC taxis and ₹575 for AC counterparts. The decision to revise fares was based on recommendations from the Khatua panel and demands put forth by cabbie unions, aligning with the state government’s directives.
Although the implementation date remains undisclosed, industry insiders speculate that the revised fares will likely come into effect next month. In anticipation of the impending changes, the MMRTA has instructed Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to prominently display the updated fare structures at taxi stands across Mumbai, particularly in Dadar.
The decision to hike fares comes after persistent requests from the Mumbai Taxi Association, particularly concerning the Mumbai-Nashik route, dating back to December 2021. While the Mumbai-Pune route saw fare revisions approved as early as August 2021, delays in addressing other routes have irked cabbie unions.
Despite concerns raised by cabbies regarding the impact of private buses and taxis on their business, some accuse the RTOs of turning a blind eye to their grievances. Shared cabs remain a popular choice for commuters traveling to Pune, Nashik, and Shirdi, alongside trains and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation buses, despite the impending fare hike.
