The Mumbai Autoric-kshawmen’s Union (MAU) on Wednesday claimed that the base fare for autorickshaws should be `27 for 1.6 km, as against the present fare of `12. Moreover, if the base fare is set for 2 km,then the base fare would be `34.
The auto union revealed the base fare figures after conducting a two-day survey on the cost of living and other expenses incurred by autorickshaw drivers to run the business.
The survey was conducted on 36 autorickshaws, and an inspection team followed each vehicle, and calculated the expenses incurred by the driver and his revenue.
According to the survey, the gross earnings of the driver per shift is up to `500. Out of this, the driver has to pay the auto rent of `200, `120 for fuel cost and additional `50 for tea, breakfast and one time lunch or dinner. “Effectively, an autorickshaw driver’s net income is just `130. Considering that the driver is availing five leaves in a month, his income comes to `3,250. The cost of living index at present is 24,000 points, for which a minimum income of `12,000 is required for daily food expenses alone,” said Sharad Rao, chief of the MAU.
The union claimed that while food expenses and household costs have increased manifold, the earnings of an autorickshaw driver is low.
“Twenty five per cent of the permit holders drive their own vehicle, while the remaining 75 per cent drive their owners’ vehicle, and earn only around `3,250 that is not enough to run a family when living in a city like Mumbai,” said Mr Rao, adding that this new fare calculation is not a demand, but it just showcases the reality.
Moreover, Thambi Kurian, general secretary of the Mumbai Rickshawmen Union said, “We are waiting for the reports of the P.M.A. Hakim Committee that has carried out a similar survey. The committee’s survey will give us a clear picture. We do not believe in any othe survey.”