45,000 taxis to stay off roads in Mumbai from Monday

Nearly 45,000 taxis will stay off road from Monday to demand implementation of fare hike as suggested by the Hakim committee. An action committee of five unions' across Mumbai Metropolitan Region took the decision on Wednesday. The unions want the implementation of the hike of Rs 3 in minimum fare, as suggested by the Hakim committee, as against a government resolution on the committee's report that suggested an increase of just a rupee.

"We met the transport commissioner, but he didn't give us any solid reason on why we are being offered just a one-rupee hike and didn't even give any assurance that our demand would be considered. They have under-calculated the cost of living," said Anthony Quadros of the Mumbai Taximen's Union. In a government resolution issued by the state government last week, it has suggested a minimum fare of Rs 18 for taxis, a one-rupee rise from the current Rs 17, and a per-kilometre fare of Rs 11.97, which is now Rs 10.50. The one-man Hakim committee had calculated a base fare per kilometre of Rs 13.08. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority will meet soon to take a final call on the fare.

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