Tamil Nadu auto drivers celebrate first fare rise in 13 years

Auto drivers across Tamil Nadu have expressed relief following the state government's decision to raise fares for the first time since 2011. Under the new order, the minimum charge has been set at ₹50 for the first 1.8 kilometres, with an additional ₹25 levied for every subsequent kilometre travelled.

The fare revision comes after years of representations from the auto-rickshaw community, who argued that stagnant fares had eroded their earnings amid rising operational costs. Industry representatives have characterized the increase as a necessary step to ensure the viability of their livelihoods after more than a decade without adjustment.

While welcoming the fare hike, auto drivers have simultaneously pressed the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider its free bus scheme. Operators contend that the subsidized public transport service has significantly impacted their passenger base, particularly on routes where buses offer competitive alternatives at no cost to commuters.

The government's dual approach—raising auto fares while maintaining free bus travel—reflects the delicate balance authorities must strike between supporting informal transport operators and providing affordable mobility to the general public. Industry observers suggest that the sustainability of both schemes will depend on how effectively the state manages urban transportation demand in the coming months.