KOCHI: With the launch of the Ernakulam Auto Rickshaw Drivers Co-operative Society (EARDCS) in Kochi on Sunday, there is an increasing demand for revising existing auto fares. As more electric and CNG-operated rickshaw join the fleet, there arises a need to fix the rate based on the price of fuels on which they operate.“Now, autorickshaws charge a minimum fare of Rs 25/km. The fare is fixed after taking into account the price of diesel. CNG and electric autos can be operated charging much lesser fares,” said a source associated with EARDCS, adding that electric autorickshaws would be able to offer lesser rates than CNG-operated vehicles.The electric autos, which are operated by EARDCS and are part of Kochi Metro’s feeder services, charge a minimum fare of Rs 10 for first two kilometres on share basis. These vehicles charge Rs 5 for every additional kilometre. In the initial stage, there will be 38 e-autos, which will operate as metro’s feeder services, and later conventional autos will join the fleet of 300 autos as Kochi Metro’s feeder service.He said the state government can ask the four-member committee headed by retired justice M Ramachandran, which submitted a report on fare revision, to relook into the matter. “Depending on the fuel used, various rates can be charged for different kind of autorickshaws. When commuters benefit from it, they will start using these vehicles more frequently,” he said. Apart from fuel prices, insurance charges, spare part costs and labour charges are the main factors that decide auto fares.Launching EARDCS, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said EARDCS should look into the possibilities of increasing the number of electric auto rickshaws to bring down air pollution. “Feeder services should not be confined to metro stations. These should also service bus stations and mobility hubs,” he said.The chief minister said auto drivers are relying on their daily income to make both ends meet. “A society for the auto drivers is a welcome move. This society will benefit the auto drivers in the long run,” he said.The chief minister further said the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is assigned to integrate the various modes of transport in the district. “Kochi Metro is a proud model for the state,” he added.The society can help in procurement of vehicles, fuel, spare parts and even insurance. It will help to bring down operational and maintenance costs of each vehicle.KMRL managing director A P M Mohammed Hanish received a copy of the book “Abhivrudhikkayi Onnikkam” from the chief minister.It is expected that 15,000 auto drivers will join the society. The society is also aiming at creating opportunity for the family members of the auto drivers by engaging them in small-scale business activities.The society is represented by K K Ibrahim Kutty (INTUC) as the chairman, Syamantha Bhadran (CITU) as the convener and Binu Varghese (AITUC), Raghunath Panaveli (STU), T B Mini (TUCI), Simon Edappally (INTUC) and V K Anil Kumar (BMS) as other members.

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