After a hiatus of more than three years, commuters in Chandigarh are bracing for an increase in their daily transportation expenses, as the UT Administration has officially revised the fares for taxis, auto-rickshaws, and bike taxis. This significant adjustment reflects a long-overdue update to the pricing structure for public and private hire vehicles in the city. Notably, for the first time, the administration has streamlined the fare structure by merging charges for AC and non-AC taxis, bringing a degree of simplicity to the pricing. Under the new regulations, a standard 4+1 seater taxi will now charge ₹90 for the initial 3 kilometers, with each subsequent kilometer incurring a charge of ₹25. Similarly, auto-rickshaws, a ubiquitous mode of transport in Chandigarh, will now levy a charge of ₹50 for the first 3 kilometers, followed by ₹13 for every kilometer thereafter. The revision also encompasses bike taxis, a relatively newer but increasingly popular option for quick commutes, though specific figures for them are yet to be widely disseminated. This fare revision is likely to evoke mixed reactions from the city’s populace. While service providers, including taxi and auto drivers, have long argued for an increase to offset rising fuel costs and maintenance expenses, commuters might feel the pinch on their daily budgets. The UT Administration’s decision underscores the dynamic nature of urban economics, where the cost of living and operational expenses necessitate periodic adjustments in service pricing. The three-year gap since the last revision suggests a careful consideration of various factors before implementing the changes. This move also highlights the administration’s role in regulating public transport fares to ensure both fair compensation for operators and reasonable charges for consumers. As Chandigarh continues to grow and evolve as a major urban center, such adjustments are part of the ongoing effort to maintain a sustainable and efficient public transportation system, balancing the economic realities of operators with the affordability concerns of the city’s diverse commuter base.
