State Government Overhauls Transport Tariffs

Chennai: In a significant policy update addressing long-standing demands from commuter transport unions, the Tamil Nadu government has officially revised autorickshaw fare structures across the state. The updated tariffs, which mark the first major overhaul in 13 years, were formally notified in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette following an order issued by the Home Department (Transport-I).

The new regulations, framed under Section 67 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, set the baseline minimum fare at Rs 50 covering the first 1.8 kilometres. Commuters will subsequently be charged an additional Rs 25 for every subsequent kilometre travelled.

Adjustments for Ghats, Night Travel, and Waiting Times

The newly introduced rate card accounts for varied operational conditions, establishing specialized pricing structures for hilly terrain, nocturnal transit, and idle waiting times:

* Ghat Sections: Fares for hilly terrains have been fixed at 1.2 times the minimum standard fare, establishing a base rate of Rs 60 along with an additional Rs 30 per kilometre charge. * Night Operations: To compensate drivers operating during late hours, night-time fares applicable between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM have been designated at 1.5 times the regular daytime tariff. * Waiting Charges: A standardized waiting charge of Rs 1 per minute has been legally prescribed for extended idling periods during trips.

Implementation Across Regions

The latest notification officially supersedes previous transport department orders dating back to August 2013 and October 2014. The State Transport Authority, alongside all concerned Regional Transport Authorities across Tamil Nadu, has been directed to immediately enforce the revised contract carriage tariff framework within the Chennai Metropolitan Area and regional districts alike.

Transport analysts note that the intervention was necessitated by escalating operational expenditures—including soaring fuel prices and maintenance costs—shouldered by drivers over the past decade, during which official rates remained frozen despite persistent inflation.