To the stress and distress of millions of commuters in Mumbai comes the news that they will now have to pay more for taxi and auto rickshaw rides, as fares have been hiked by Rs 2 after the Bombay HC ruled on the issue in favour of the government. After the hike comes into effect, the minimum fare for taxis will go up to Rs 21 from Rs 19. Auto rickshaw fares will go up to Rs 17 from Rs 15. But only autos and taxis with recalibrated meters will be allowed to charge the new fares. The state government has submitted to the court that it will take around 45 days to recalibrate the electronic meters of all autos and taxis in Mumbai city and its suburbs.

While the commuter has no option now but to pay the revised fares, it is up to cabs and autos to keep their side of the bargain. They need to adhere to the rule that they must ply and cannot give commuters a ‘no’ for an answer.