PANJIM, NOV 28
The fares of autorickshaws and taxis in the State are likely to increase by 15 to 20 per cent with State Transport Department recommending a hike for them to the State Government.
The detailed report on diesel price, rates of spare parts and salary structure of 2006 and 2010 of autorickshaw and taxi operators sought by the Transport Department, will be forwarded to the State Government tomorrow.
Transport Director Arun Desai said the report will be forwarded to the Government for a final decision over the hike in fare.
“As against the demand of 100 per cent hike, the Department will be recommending 15 to 20 per cent hike for the autorickshaw and taxi operators”, Desai said adding that since the last hike in 2006, there has been 25-35 per cent hike in diesel and spare part prices.
Since May, 2010, the All Goa Autorickshaw Association (AGAA), Taximan’s Union (TU) and the All Goa Taxi Unions Association (AGTUA) have been demanding a hike in fares. The current fare for the first three kilometres is Rs 10.
However, there was no unanimity in the hike that was demanded by various associations.
While AGAA asked for Rs 20 for first three kilometers, TU sought Rs 12 and AGTUA demanded Rs 15.
“There is no justification for such a huge hike. But since the rates were last revised nearly four years back, the Government will make sure that the rates are increased now”, Desai said.
As directed by the State Transport Authority, the transport director had a joint meeting with the representatives of AGTUA, AGAA, TU, Black and Yellow tourist vehicles Association and Airport Tourist Taxi Association.
The State Government through a fresh notification under Goa Motor Vehicles Act has also hiked the permit fees of all the tourist vehicles registered under various categories. However, the hiked rates were strongly objected by the vehicle operators, who are likely to serve a notice to the Government seeking a withdrawal of the same.
