The unions were not happy with the proposal when it was discussed at a meeting convened by Transport Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan here on Wednesday.

The government has increased the minimum fares for autorickshaws and taxis to Rs.20 and Rs.150 respectively.

The minimum charge is for 1.5 km in the case of autorickshaws and five km for taxis. While the minimum autorickshaw fares have been increased by 33 per cent (from Rs.15 to Rs.20), the distance for which minimum fares are applicable has been increased by 20 per cent (from 1.25 km to 1.5 km).

The unions were not happy with the proposal when it was discussed at a meeting convened by Transport Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan here on Wednesday.

Briefing presspersons, the Minister said the revisions were as recommended by the Justice Ramachandran Committee appointed by the government for the purpose. He said he was sure the unions would agree to the revision considering the difficulties being faced by the common man.

Furthermore, some aspects of the revision even exceeded the demands of the unions, he said.

For each kilometre after the minimum autorickshaw distance of 1.5 km, the running fare has been increased from Rs.8 to Rs.10. And for each km after the minimum taxi distance of five km, the running fare has been increased from Rs.9 to Rs.15.

In other words, the running fare has gone up by 25 per cent for autorickshaws and 67 per cent for taxis (seven-seat motor cabs).

The existing detention charges will continue for both autorickshaws and motor cabs. In the case of autorickshaws, it is Rs.10 for each 15 minutes waiting, up to a maximum of Rs.250 a day. For motor cabs, it is Rs.50 for each hour’s waiting, up to maximum of Rs.500 a day.

‘Higher class’ motor cabs, whether they are air-conditioned or not, can charge 10 per cent extra fare, as at present.

Mr. Radhakrishnan said the last time the fares were increased was in December 2012. The revised rates will come into effect on October 1.