Jammu, June 27: Amid the ongoing controversy over the revised auto-rickshaw fares in Jammu, the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) has clarified that the new fare structure was not imposed by any individual officer but was approved after an extensive review process involving multiple committees and stakeholders.
The RTO said the gazette notification issued on June 26 implemented the government’s decision to increase passenger vehicle fares by 18 percent, following Cabinet approval. The revised rates cover all categories of passenger vehicles and were finalized after nearly two to four months of consultations and technical assessments.
According to the RTO, factors such as vehicle cost, chassis, fabrication, tyres, battery, insurance, maintenance expenses, driver salaries, fuel and operational costs were thoroughly evaluated before the fare revision. Registered transport welfare associations were also consulted, and their representations were taken into account at various stages of the process.
The recommendations were then reviewed by a High-Powered Committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) before being placed before the Cabinet for final approval.
Responding to criticism on social media, the RTO dismissed claims that the fares were arbitrarily fixed by the Transport Commissioner or any single official. He emphasized that the revision comes after five years, making the 18 percent hike a government-approved decision rather than an administrative one.
The RTO also explained that the new fare system is distance-based, making fare meters mandatory in black autos, e-autos, and e-rickshaws to ensure transparency for passengers. He claimed that more than 50 percent of the vehicles have already installed meters.
Under the revised fare structure, black autos will charge ₹26 for the first kilometre and ₹20 for every additional kilometre. E-autos will charge ₹25 for the first kilometre and ₹20 per additional kilometre, while e-rickshaws will charge ₹15 for the first kilometre and ₹15 for each subsequent kilometre.
The RTO added that the mandatory installation of fare meters is aimed at ensuring fair and transparent fare calculation for both passengers and drivers.
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