After order from Bombay HC that commuters will not have to pay revised rates till every e-meter is recalibrated, transport department is planning to complete the task as soon as possible
It seems that, for once, the transport department is quite keen to meet the 45-day deadline set by Bombay High Court to recalibrate the electronic meters of auto rickshaws and taxis in the city. Officials are expected to begin the process from August 17, after which the meters will display the revised fares approved by the high court.
The transport department has instructed auto rickshaw and taxi drivers to not charge new fares until they have recalibrated their electronic meters. File pic
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During the meeting at Andheri Regional Transport Office (RTO) on Wednesday, which was attended by the stakeholders, it was decided that by Sunday the transport department, RTOs, meter manufacturers and dealers, along with testing institutes, would prepare the new fare chart and chips with the revised fare. After which, the process of recalibrating e-metres will begin.
While officials at the transport department feel that recalibrating all autos and taxis within 45 days is nothing short of a mammoth task, State Transport Commissioner (additional charge), Satish Sahastrabudhe, said, “We aim to do everything on our part to ensure that we meet the deadline.”
Issues discussed
According to officials at the RTO, the two main issues discussed during the meeting were fixing the cost for recalibration and meeting the 45-day deadline. While the last time, the recalibration cost R450, meter manufacturers and their authorised dealers had demanded around Rs 650 per meter this time around.
Upward spiral
“The price of everything, from meters, spare parts and chips, to manpower, have gone up, and therefore, we demanded the hike,” said a meter manufacture.
But, the state made it clear during the meeting that the cost would not be set at more than Rs 500, and this figure was decided upon. This cost will be borne by the auto/taxi permit holder.
A union leader said, “There are other expenses as well, which a permit holder has to bear during the process of recalibration.”
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