Mumbra auto rickshaw drivers continue overcharging despite RTO circular, leaving commuters frustrated and demanding action | File Photo
Thane: Despite a circular issued by the Thane Regional Transport Office (RTO) on April 16, 2025, directing auto rickshaw unions in Mumbra to follow the officially approved fare chart, commuters in the area continue to face daily exploitation.
The circular, which was sent to six major auto unions in Mumbra, instructed the unions to display fare charts prominently and to prevent overcharging by rickshaw drivers. However, there has been little to no visible implementation of the order, leaving passengers at the mercy of erratic fare demands, especially on popular shared routes.
Routes like Mumbra-Kausa, Shilphata, Kalwa, Maji Wada, and Mumbra Station remain hotbeds for fare-related disputes. Many drivers are still charging arbitrary fares, often demanding amounts higher than the prescribed rates. A notable issue is the widespread disregard for meter-based fares, with drivers insisting on flat rates that exceed the legally stipulated fares.
According to RTO regulations, the initial fare for shared rickshaw rides should start at Rs 12, with charges increasing based on distance. However, many rickshaw drivers continue to charge a flat Rs 15 or more, ignoring the prescribed fare structure altogether. This blatant violation of RTO norms has sparked frustration among daily commuters, who feel they are being taken advantage of without any recourse.
In response to the ongoing issue, the President of Mumbra Pravasi Sangh, Rafique Shaikh, along with Vice President Nazim Ansari, submitted a follow-up letter to the Thane RTO urging immediate on-ground enforcement of the fare chart. The letter also called for routine checks on shared and meter rickshaws, strict penalties for drivers caught overcharging, and the installation of banners at major auto stands displaying the official fare charts.
“Public transport should not become a daily struggle for citizens. Meters are for fairness, not decoration. The RTO must act and ensure that commuters are not exploited,” said Nazim Ansari, Vice President of the Mumbra Pravasi Sangh.
The Mumbra Pravasi Sangh has also called upon local authorities to take swift and visible action to restore order, fairness, and commuter confidence in the city’s rickshaw system.
“The situation cannot continue. We need immediate enforcement to ensure the safety, fairness, and convenience of commuters,” said Rafique Shaikh, President of the Mumbra Pravasi Sangh.
