People across Maharashtra can now hire an ambulance, state-run or private, at a fixed tariff, thanks to the persistent efforts of an activist from Thane.

The transport commissioner’s office recently released a rate card that will be applicable in 34 out of the state’s 48 regions. Mumbaikars, however, will have to wait longer for this as the city is among the remaining 14 regions where a standard rate hasn’t been fixed yet.

Besides Mumbai, the others that come under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) region are Thane, Panvel, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai and Vasai, all of which are awaiting a fixed rate card.

On the basis of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Thane activist Nainesh Dolas, the Bombay High Court (HC) had directed the deputy transport commissioner, Maharashtra, to fix fare/rates for ambulance as early as possible and, in any case, on or before October 31, 2013.

This was because while state-run ambulances charged patients Rs5 per kilometre,private ambulances charge arbitrarily.

Based on the PIL and a subsequent reminder by Dolas on November 29, 2013 the transport commissioner’s office provided rates applicable in various regions of Maharashtra. The rates are based on four types of vehicles — Maruti van-make, Tata Sumo- and Matador-make, Tata 407 Swaraj Mazda-make and the ones which have an intensive care unit or are air-conditioned. The rate card gives per-kilometre and per-25-kilometre rates.

“The difference in the rates is based on the fuel... petrol-driven ambulances will have higher rates as compared with those run on CNG or diesel,” said Dolas.

“Out of the 48 regions, rates for only 34 have been fixed. The court had given them a deadline of October 31. It’s December now and they still haven’t fixed rates for 14 regions. Why are they taking so long?” Dolas asked, adding, “We had sent them a reminder and will soon file a contempt of court for taking so much time to comply with the HC order.”

Along with the MMRTA region, Buldhana, Yavatmal, Bhandara, Wardha, Beed, Usmanabad, Ambejogai, Parbhani, Hingoli, Aurangabad, Malegaon, Dhule and Nashik are the other 13 waiting for a standard rate card.

When contacted, SK Sharma, principal secretary, state transport department, and MMRTA chairman, said, “We are working on it and will decide soon.”

On being told that it (the delay) amounts to contempt of court, Sharma added, “We will reply to the court.”

Activist’s fight bears fruitBased on a PIL by Thane activist Nainesh Dolas, the HC had directed the deputy transport commissioner, Maharashtra, to fix fare/rates for ambulance as early as possible and, in any case, on or before October 31, 2013

City, other areas wait for rate cardKolhapur, Satara and Jalna are three of the 34 regions in state for which a fixed rate card has been prepared. Fourteen more regions, including Mumbai, Thane, Panvel, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai and Vasai, all of which come under the MMRTA, are awaiting the same.