Auto fare battle in Tamil Nadu: Unions seek Rs 70, commuters want Rs 50

Tamil Nadu's 3.46 lakh auto-rickshaws could soon be running on a new fare meter for the first time in 13 years.

With fuel prices, insurance premiums and maintenance costs climbing steadily over the past decade, the state government is now examining a proposal to revise auto-rickshaw fares, a long-pending demand of driver unions.

The State Transport Authority has submitted its recommendations to the Tamil Nadu Home Department after holding extensive consultations with auto-rickshaw trade unions and passenger organisations.

A final decision on the revised fare structure is expected shortly. Tamil Nadu currently has around 3.46 lakh registered auto-rickshaws, all operating under a fare system that has remained unchanged for nearly 13 years.

Driver unions have repeatedly argued that the existing tariff no longer reflects the rising cost of running an auto, making it increasingly difficult for operators to sustain their livelihood.

To arrive at a revised fare structure, the government convened a tripartite meeting in Chennai on July 9, bringing together officials, auto unions and passenger representatives.

More than 30 representatives from trade unions and nearly 90 members of passenger organisations participated in the discussions.

The consultations revealed a sharp divide over what the revised minimum fare should be. Auto unions demanded that the base fare be increased to Rs 70, maintaining that years of escalating operational expenses have rendered the current rates unviable.

Passenger groups, while agreeing that a revision is necessary, urged the government to cap the minimum fare at Rs 50, arguing that a steeper increase would burden thousands of daily commuters who rely on autos for short-distance travel.

Following the meeting, the Transport Authority evaluated submissions from both sides while also studying fuel prices, maintenance costs and fare structures followed in other major cities.

The findings were compiled into a detailed report and forwarded to the Home Department for consideration.

Once approved, the revised tariff, including the minimum fare and per-kilometre charges, will mark Tamil Nadu's first comprehensive auto-rickshaw fare revision in over a decade, impacting nearly 3.46 lakh vehicles across the state.