A day after reduced taxi fares came into effect from April 1, the Mumbai Taximen’s Union opposed the change and have said that they will “seek directions” from the Bombay High Court.
Taking into account the increasing number of black and yellow cabs that have converted from petrol to Compress Natural Gas (CNG), which is a cheaper alternative, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) had lowered taxi fares by 50 paise.
According to Mumbai Taximen’s Unions General Secretary, AL Quadros, the union will file a petition in court, challenging the fare change.
“We will file a petition in the High Court on Wednesday and seek directions from it,” said Quadros. He also alleges that RTA had not taken the union’s consent while deciding to reduce fares.
“We were not part of the meeting where it was decided that fares would become cheaper by 50 paise,” Quadros alleges.
Keeping the minimum fare of Rs 13 for 1.6 kilometer intact, the RTA reduced fares for the additional kilometer from Rs 8.5 to Rs 8. Similar fare changes were also applicable for night charges.
“Our taxi drivers will charge according to the previous fare structure. We are not accepting it,” stated Quadros.
While RTA member and Regional Transport Officer A V Giri says the fares will remain as they are. He says, “The revised fare has come into effect from April 1. New fare cards with the revised rates have also been issued. If any taxi driver refrains from accepting the new fare, the passenger should take down the details of the taxi and complain to RTO and we will fine the driver.”