Shimla, Feb 26
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has announced a revision in fares for its “Ride with Pride” Innova taxis operating in and around Shimla town. This decision was taken during the 159th meeting of the HRTC Board of Directors. The fare hike, however, will apply only to the general public, while senior citizens will continue to pay the existing rates, ensuring their access to affordable transportation remains intact.
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According to the revised fare structure, a Rs. 10 increase has been implemented across every distance slab for general commuters. For distances up to 4 km, the fare has been raised from Rs. 20 to Rs. 30, while for trips between 4 km and 6 km, the revised rate is now Rs. 40 instead of the previous Rs. 30. Similarly, for distances between 6 km and 8 km, the fare has been increased from Rs. 40 to Rs. 50. Journeys between 8 km and 10 km will now cost Rs. 60, up from Rs. 50, and for distances exceeding 10 km, commuters will pay Rs. 70, compared to the earlier Rs. 60.
Despite this increase for the general public, senior citizens will continue to benefit from the old fare structure. For distances up to 4 km, they will pay just Rs. 15, while the fare for trips between 4 km and 6 km remains Rs. 20. For distances between 6 km and 8 km, the rate remains Rs. 30, and for 8 km to 10 km, they will continue to pay Rs. 40. For journeys exceeding 10 km, senior citizens will be charged Rs. 50.
In addition to keeping senior citizen fares unchanged, HRTC has also decided not to revise the fare for the route from Sanjauli Chowk to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), which remains at Rs. 10. This decision ensures that patients and their families can continue to travel at an affordable rate, easing the financial burden on those requiring frequent hospital visits.
The fare hike is part of HRTC’s effort to streamline urban transport and prioritize those who need it most. By making the service slightly more expensive for younger commuters, the corporation aims to discourage unnecessary use of these taxis by the general public. This move is expected to improve the availability of HRTC cabs for senior citizens and patients, while also encouraging the use of public transport, ultimately reducing traffic congestion in Shimla.
HRTC has instructed its officials to enforce the new fare structure immediately, ensuring smooth implementation across all designated routes. These revised rates will now apply to all HRTC Innova cabs operating in and around Shimla, except for the fares designated for senior citizens and the specific route to IGMC. This step, HRTC believes, will not only enhance accessibility for those in genuine need but also improve traffic conditions and urban mobility in the city.
