India, Nov. 25 -- Auto drivers must be directed to use meters

Sir,

The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of Mysuru district has revised the auto fares from the present minimum of Rs. 30 to Rs. 36 and for the distance beyond 2 kms from the present fare of Rs. 15 to Rs. 18 per km from 1st January 2026 (SOM dated Nov. 13).

The reality is that most of the auto drivers already charge more than the minimum of the present Rs. 30. The hiked minimum fare of Rs. 36 is impractical since the exact amount cannot be paid by cash.

The actual minimum would be Rs. 40 in practical terms, an amount which a majority of the auto operators are already charging as the minimum. The RTA has fixed the fares on the assumption that the auto drivers are operatin...