Pune autorickshaw rides to cost more starting September. Check new fares

Autorickshaw commuters in Pune district will face higher fares starting September 1, following the Regional Transport Authority's (RTA) approval of a fresh fare revision. The new rates will apply to both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad areas.

The minimum fare for the first 1.5 kilometers will increase from ₹25 to ₹30. Subsequently, the charge for each additional kilometer will rise from ₹17 to ₹20. This adjustment marks the fourth fare hike for autorickshaws in Pune within the last five years, with fares having surged from ₹18 in 2021 to the new ₹30 rate.

Autorickshaw unions have been advocating for a fare revision, citing a combination of factors including the escalating price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), increased maintenance expenses, costly spare parts, rising insurance premiums, and general inflation. Transport officials noted that CNG prices have climbed from approximately ₹91 per kg in August 2022 to around ₹96 per kg currently.

The fare calculations were based on recommendations from the Khatua Committee, which utilizes a formula that accounts for fuel prices and operating costs. This increase is expected to provide financial relief to approximately 1.5 lakh autorickshaw operators in Pune district.

However, the hike will inevitably increase the daily commuting costs for thousands of passengers who rely on autorickshaws for their first- and last-mile travel needs. The fare structure has seen significant changes since 2021, with previous revisions in November 2021, August 2022, and another revision within August 2022.