14 days to deadline but only 22,000 autos have re-calibrated meters

After a meeting chaired by Regional Transport Authority chairman and Pune district collector Vikas Deshmukh,auto fares were increased from October 15. As per the revised structure,the minimum fare was Rs 17 for the first stage — the distance for which has been increased from one to 1.5 km. For every subsequent km,Rs 11.65 is charged — an increase of Rs 1.65 — and this had to be re-calibrated.

There are a total 49,859 autos in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad areas — 44,474 rickshaws are from Pune city,while 5,385 from PCMC area. While in Pune,20,000 rickshaws have re-calibrated their meters,in the PCMC areas only 2,000 have done so,said an RTO official.

The RTO clearly said that they would not give any extension for re-calibration and those failing to comply till the deadline will have to face penalty and fine. Waliv said erring drivers would have to pay Rs 2,100 fine if they are caught without re-calibrated meters and their documents will be seized.

“We had given license to 32 centres for meter checking,and three testing agencies — MIT,St Josephs and COEP — were allocated for the same,’’ said the official.

The previous deadline was November 30 but it was extended due to the poor percentage of re-calibrated meters.