Mangalore: In a meeting held by Road Transport Authority (RTA) officials with the owners and drivers of City auto rickshaws, it was decided to raise the minimum plying rates from Rs.20 to Rs.25 for 1.5 meters from Jan.15, 2014, and after which every kilo meter will be charged Rs 14.

The meeting was held last week in RTA premises. A deadline of 30 days has been given to update the meters to the revised fares. The vehicles can charge 1.5 times the new rates during the night from 10 pm to next early morning of 5 am, and outside MCC limits, or for a journey in to the suburban or rural areas outside Mangalore City. Any contravention of rules made now or violation of new rules applicable will result in cancelation of permits. The auto drivers are expected to prominently show the new rates in their vehicles while carrying 3 passengers at the most during a journey with in city or outside, in day or night.

There is no mention about showing the drivers name and other particulars behind his seat for the use of passengers in case any incident happens during the journey, day or night.

There will be no waiting charge for the first 15 minutes, but thereafter 45 minutes of waiting will cost Rs. 25. Luggage weighing 20 kg will be free, but additional weight will be charged at Rs 2 per kg.