Pune Autos Impose 25% Night Surcharge

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Pune has introduced a revised fare structure for auto-rickshaws, effective from September 1. According to the new structure, passengers will be charged ₹30 for the first 1.5 km and ₹20 for every additional kilometre.

A 25% night surcharge will be levied on fares between midnight and 5am for journeys within Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. For rural areas outside these municipal limits, a 40% night surcharge can be charged between 11pm and 5am.

In addition to the night surcharge, auto-rickshaw drivers are also permitted to charge ₹3 for luggage items measuring 60 cm x 40 cm or larger.

The RTO has given auto-rickshaw operators time until February 28, 2027, to calibrate their meters according to the revised fares. To facilitate a smooth transition, temporary tariff cards have been issued, which will remain valid until February 28, 2027.

After the temporary tariff cards expire, drivers will be required to collect fares strictly as displayed on calibrated meters. The RTO has made meter inspection and calibration facilities available at designated locations in Pune.

Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad stated that these facilities have been made available to ensure that auto-rickshaw meters are calibrated as per the revised fare structure.

The introduction of the revised fare structure and night surcharge is expected to impact passengers and auto-rickshaw operators in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

The RTO's decision to introduce a night surcharge and luggage charge is likely to generate revenue for auto-rickshaw operators and help them cope with increasing operational costs.

However, passengers may need to budget extra for their auto-rickshaw journeys, especially during late-night hours.

The move is part of the RTO's efforts to regulate and standardize auto-rickshaw fares in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Overall, the revised fare structure and night surcharge are expected to bring more transparency and consistency to auto-rickshaw services in the region.

The impact of the revised fare structure on passengers and auto-rickshaw operators will be closely monitored by the RTO in the coming months.

As the auto-rickshaw industry in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad continues to evolve, the RTO's efforts to regulate and standardize fares are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the industry's future.

In conclusion, the introduction of the revised fare structure and night surcharge in Pune is a significant development that is expected to have far-reaching implications for passengers and auto-rickshaw operators in the region.