Increasing auto rickshaw rates in Navi Mumbai

"I'm rich. I travel by auto rickshaws." 
- Auto rickshaw passenger to a Mercedes owner

Traveling by auto rickshaws in Navi Mumbai has always been an expensive affair. But ever since the fares increased (around 2 weeks ago), it's decreasing the weight of my wallet. Earlier the meter used to read Rs 31-33 from Koparkhairane station to Vashi station and we used to pay around 45 rupees. It really used to pinch us. After all it's just a 12 minute drive! But today it cost me 55 bucks!!! In fact, we ended up traveling by auto rickshaws for 5-6 times since yesterday and I have exhausted all the 10-rupee and 50-rupee notes in my wallet.

When I expressed my shock to the rickshaw driver today (Rs 55 for 35 on meter!) he explained me how it has even become 'tough' for them. Coz since the rates increase by Rs 1.5 or Rs 2 at various points, they have to always read the tariff card before charging the passenger. Ya right, such an effort... we toh have an easy life shelling out our hard-earned and hardly-earned money on the roads!

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