Goa likely to hike fares of auto-rickshaws, tour buses

Travelling in Goa would be a costlier affair now as the state transport authority (STA) has recommended to hike the fares of auto-rickshaws, motorcycle pilots and tour buses, which are usually opted as convenient mode of transport by locals and tourists alike.
The hike is subject to the approval of the Goa government, state transport director Arun Desai told reporters here today.
The STA has recommended the hike in tariff of six-wheeler and three-wheeler auto-rickshaws, tour buses and motorcycle pilots, Desai said.
The three-wheeler auto-rickshaws which were charging Rs 18.75 per kilometre will now charge Rs 20.
In the absence of digital meters for the rickshaws, the operators will have to prepare a chart listing out rates from one destination to another, so that they don't fleece the customers, he said.

A similar hike is recommended for tour buses where the fare would be up by 15 per cent while motorcycle pilots, a unique mode of transport to the state, will now be charging fee for the late night travels.
The department would also start a helpline number for the passengers in distress, or those who want to complaint to the authorities, Desai said.
Round-the-clock helplines would be set up in association with the state department of information technology, he added.