Udupi : The Udupi Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on Monday revised autorickshaw fares in the district increasing the minimum fare from Rs.30 for the first 1.5 km to Rs.40 with effect from October 1.

Similarly, the per km fare has also been enhanced from Rs.15 to Rs.20, said a notification from the RTA.

It directed all autorickshaw drivers/owners in the district to compulsorily fit flag meters in their vehicles and re-calibrate them as per the new notification by October 31.

Some autorickshaw drivers have been charging Rs.40 minimum fare for about a month now. The fare revision is justified in the light of increasing costs of inputs and living said a resident.

The hike is too steep and it will affect the common man. The minimum fare could have been kept at Rs.35 for1.5 km and the per km fare at Rs.17, he said.