Owing to repeated representations by taxi operators, shortlisted for the introduction of non-air conditioned cabs in the city, the Administration has decided to reconsider the fare of non-AC cabs. The fare is expected to increase to Rs 10 per km from Rs 8 per km.

The decision to reconsider the fare was reportedly communicated on Monday by Transport Secretary Ram Niwas to higher administrative authorities. Confirming the report, State Transport Authority (STA) Secretary Vandana Disodia said: “The operators raised some objection on the notification of the fare. Transport-cum-Home Secretary Niwas has forwarded the same to the Governor. The decision is expected to be taken after giving a personal hearing to the operators.”

According to sources, the recommendation for increasing the fare by Rs 2 per km was given by the Transport Secretary. The decision will be taken soon for immediate introduction of the service which is already delayed by months.

In a recent development, all the four companies shortlisted by the STA, for running non-AC taxis, submitted a representation to the Administration for increasing the fare, as the project was said to be “non-viable” at Rs 8 per km.

Terming it as a “positive move” by the Administration, the operators, meanwhile, expressed relief. “We are waiting for the decision and are willing to work on the project if the fare is increased. According to our calculation after analysing the running cost and other operational costs, the minimum fare should be Rs 10 per km. With the running difference between AC and non-AC taxis being less than a rupee, a difference of Rs 7 in the fares is not justified,” said Biresh Singh of Atlantic Motors, a shortlisted operator.