NewsKarnataka – Udupi

Udupi: After Mangalore the auto fares have been  hiked in Udupi from the existing Rs 20 to Rs 25 for a minimum distance upto 1.5 kilo meter.

Deputy Commissioner Dr MT Reju has said that the additional running charge will be from Rs 14 to 15. One and a half charge will be applicable between 10 pm to 5 am as usual. The auto drivers are given the deadline of February 28 in order to adjust their meter to the revised fare.

Damodar Aithal ,Udupi Consumer Forum Convener said that the fare should be scientifically decided.
Santhosh Rao, Auto Rickshaw Drivers and Owners’ Association Secretary, said that the fare of auto rickshaws should be hiked by Rs 3 extra in comparison with the auto rickshaw fares charged in Mangalore. The reason for his demand is that the auto rickshaw drivers in Udupi, most of the time  get one sided hiring, as Udupi is a city municipal council, and also majority autos run in rural areas.

Initially, the members of Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ and Owners Association demanded the increase of minimum auto fare from Rs 20 to Rs 28 for a distance of 1.5 kilo meter. They also demanded an increase in the additional running charge from the existing Rs 14 to Rs 18 per kilometer.