Commuters in Mumbai and across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) will have to pay more for auto-rickshaw and Kaali-Peeli (Black and Yellow Taxi) rides from 1 September 2026, after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) approved a fare hike proposal. The minimum fare for auto-rickshaws will go up by Rs 1, while the minimum fare for taxis will rise by Rs 2.
What Will the New Fares Be?
Across Mumbai and the MMR, the starting fare for auto-rickshaws will increase from Rs 26 to Rs 27, applicable for the first 1.5 kilometres. The minimum fare for Kaali-Peeli taxis will rise from Rs 31 to Rs 33. The revised rates come into effect from 1 September 2026.
Areas Where the New Rates Will Apply
The fare increase will not be limited to Mumbai alone. The new rates will apply across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, Vasai, Virar and Palghar, along with the other areas that fall under the MMR.
The fare hike proposal, sent by the Transport Commissioner, was approved by the MMRTA on 20 August, clearing the way for the new rates to take effect from 1 September.
Why Were Fares Increased?
The fare hike proposal was based on issues raised by Mumbai’s auto-rickshaw and taxi unions, who cited a steady rise in costs over the past few years, including fuel, vehicle repair and maintenance, insurance premiums and permit-related expenses.
According to drivers, passenger demand has picked up again, but rising operating costs have put pressure on their earnings. It was against this backdrop that a fare revision was sought.
Fares Were Last Hiked in February 2025
Auto-rickshaw and taxi fares in Mumbai and the MMR were previously increased in February 2025. The latest revision comes roughly a year and a half later.
Once the new rates take effect, the additional cost will be borne daily by the millions of commuters across Mumbai and its surrounding areas who rely on auto-rickshaws and Kaali-Peeli taxis.
