An application from the Rickshaw Owners' Association for an, increase in the rental charge for public rickshaws from $140 to $160 per rickshaw per ne recommended by the Watch Committee at its meeting on July 3, has been approved by the Council, states an SMC, communique, The Council has also approved the raising of the minimum passenger fare from fifteen cents to seventeen cents by distance, and from ninety cents to $1 by time, These increases will be effective from July 15, The application for the increase in the rental represents the owners' inability to carry on under existing operation costs, The communique adds that studies, undertaken by the Councils Industrial and Social Division show Clearly the capacity of the' pullers to increase their gross earnings, Taking this into account and the fact that costa of. materials for upkeep of vehicles have greatly me creased, it is felt, states the com. Munique, that an increase in the rickshaw rental is justified in order to allow the owners to carry on and to maintain their vehlgles in good repair, The new maximum rental Wil be rigidly. eptoreed by the police and stern measures will be taken against overcharging by owners, The police have also been empowered to suspend the licences of rickshaws found to be in à dirty and unsatisfactory condition, The increased fare table is to be follows:
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