Daily commute to get costlier in Mumbai; Residents criticise MMRTA's fare hike

Commuting across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is set to become more expensive starting September 1, as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority has approved a fare hike for CNG-run black-and-yellow taxis and auto-rickshaws. The base fare for the first 1.5 kilometers will increase by Rs 2 for taxis, moving the minimum fare from Rs 31 to Rs 33. Auto-rickshaw fares will rise by Re 1, bringing the minimum fare to Rs 27. The decision impacts a massive transit network consisting of over 4.5 lakh auto-rickshaws and more than 50,000 taxis operating in the region.

The announcement has sparked widespread criticism from residents who are already grappling with stagnant wages, rising fuel costs, and inflated prices for essential household commodities like food and sugar. Commuters argue that rising transport expenses will disproportionately impact lower-income families.

Highlighting the growing financial strain, Wadala resident Swapaan voiced his concerns over the cumulative effect of rising expenses:

"Everyone is going to be affected, because just look at how high inflation already is. Everyone is facing difficulties. Just look at how high sugar prices have gone... and now we have heard that taxi fares are also going to increase. So, everyone's lives are going to become more difficult." (PTI)