Mumbai taxi and autorickshaw fares rise from September 1 across MMRTA area

Mumbai, August 21, 2026: Mumbai's taxi and autorickshaw commuters will have to pay more from September 1, with the state government approving an increase in fares after nearly 18 months. The minimum taxi fare will rise by Rs 2 from Rs 31 to Rs 33, while the minimum autorickshaw fare will increase by Rs 1 from Rs 26 to Rs 27. While taxi and auto unions have welcomed the decision, regular commuters have raised concerns over the impact of yet another fare increase on their daily travel expenses.Fare Hike ApprovedThe fare hike was approved by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) at its meeting on Thursday. The previous revision was implemented on February 1, 2025. Under the Khatua Committee formula, the per-kilometre taxi fare will rise from Rs 20.66 to Rs 21.90, while the auto fare will increase from Rs 17.14 to Rs 18.22. The government has rounded off the first 1.5-km auto fare to Rs 27. The revision takes into account fuel prices, vehicle costs, the Consumer Price Index, vehicle loan interest rates and government taxes.Commuters Raise ConcernsFor regular commuters, however, the hike has come as another addition to their monthly travel expenses. Vishal Singh “I use an auto regularly for my daily commute. Even a Rs 1 increase may look small, but when you travel every day, it adds up to a significant amount over the month,” said a regular commuter. Another commuter, Amit Rungta, said the increase was difficult to justify when public transport options were already under pressure.Unions Welcome RevisionTaxi and auto unions have welcomed the revision, but some said it was lower than what they had sought. Thampy Kurien, general secretary of the Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union, said the union was glad that the government had agreed to a fare hike, though the exact revision would be clear after the MMRTA order is signed. Shashank Sharad Rao, president of the Autorickshaw Chalak Malak Sanghatana Sanyukt Kruti Samiti Maharashtra, said the increase was not enough, as unions had expected a Rs 4 hike for taxis and Rs 3 for autos.A state transport department official said CNG prices had increased by Rs 8, or 10.25 per cent, since the previous fare revision, while other operating expenses had also risen. The official said the taxi union had sought a per-kilometre fare of Rs 25, which would have resulted in a Rs 4 increase in the minimum fare.Also Watch: 'Marathi Seekh Lo, Nahi Toh...': Mumbai Auto Driver Seen Pushing Rickshaw Into Train, Allegedly Trying To Flee Amid Marathi Language Row - VIDEORevised Rates From September 1With the revised rates coming into effect from September 1, commuters who frequently rely on taxis and autos for first- and last-mile connectivity will bear the additional cost, even as operators argue that the hike is necessary to offset rising expenses.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/