Mangaluru : The impasse over the revised autorickshaw fares in Dakshina Kannada district appears to get settled with the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) convening another meeting on February 19. While the minimum fare is likely to remain at Rs. 20 as notified on January 9, the per km fare is likely to be at Rs. 14 as against Rs. 13 ordered by the RTA.

Ever since the RTA notified the revised fares following steep reduction in fuel prices, autorickshaw operators in the district had been defiant. Holding protests and a three-day strike, the operators also knocked the doors of the High Court and district in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai. The impasse continued with operators unwilling to adopt the revised fares, putting passengers into discomfort.

The Forum For Justice, Mangaluru, which had threatened to launch agitation against arrogant autorickshaw drivers, appears to have succeeded in brokering peace between the operators and general public. Its president Dayanath Kotian told that the Forum spoke to all the concerned operators, the Deputy Commissioner who is also the RTA Chairman, and Mr. Rai, and informed them that Rs. 20 minimum fare was commercially feasible. At the same time, it said the per km fare may be fixed at Rs. 14. He said the Mangaluru Autorickshaw Drivers Union, non-political group with a high following, was with the forum.

After taking all into confidence, the forum and union members met Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim on Monday and conveyed the compromise formula. Mr. Ibrahim said he alone could not take the decision and hence convened the RTA meeting, Mr. Kotian said.