Regional transport authority (RTA) fixes fares for ambulances operating in Pune

The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) in Pune has determined fares for ambulance services operating within Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Baramati. This decision came during an RTA meeting held on August 3. The new ambulance fare structure includes a base fare of Rs 700 for Maruti Omni ambulines up to 25 km or two hours, with an additional Rs 16 per kilometre beyond the initial distance.

A waiting charge of Rs 125 per hour applies, with a 24-hour maximum charge of Rs 4,000. For Maruti Eeco/Tata Magic ambulances, the fare is Rs 900 for up to 25 km or two hours, followed by Rs 17 per additional kilometre, with a waiting charge of Rs 125 per hour and a 24-hour charge of Rs 4,500. Mahindra Bolero/Force Cruiser ambulances have a fare of Rs 1,200 for up to 25 km or two hours, with Rs 18 per kilometre thereafter.

The waiting charge is Rs 150 per hour, with a 24-hour charge of Rs 5,000. Non-air-conditioned Force Tempo Traveller/ICU ambulances cost Rs 1,500 for up to 25 km or two hours, with Rs 22 per additional kilometre and a Rs 175 per hour waiting charge. The 24-hour charge is fixed at Rs 7,000. Air-conditioned Force Tempo Traveller/ICU ambulances start at Rs 2,500 for up to 25 km or two hours, with Rs 30 per additional kilometre and a Rs 250 per hour waiting charge.

The 24-hour maximum charge is Rs 10,000. The RTA has also set ambulance-only rates, excluding fuel, repairs, maintenance, and the driver, at Rs 1,000 for Maruti Omni, Rs 1,200 for Maruti Eeco/Tata Magic, Rs 1,500 for Mahindra Bolero/Force Cruiser, Rs 2,000 for non-air-conditioned Force Tempo Traveller, and Rs 4,000 for air-conditioned Force Tempo Traveller/ICU ambulances.

The fare structure applies within the RTO jurisdictions of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Baramati. The RTA has mandated ambulance operators to keep their vehicles in good mechanical condition and ensure cleanliness. Penalties for overcharging include a Rs 5,000 fine for the first offence, with subsequent fines reaching Rs 20,000. Ambulances registered as non-profit/no-loss vehicles will have applicable taxes and interest recovered if they exceed the prescribed rates.

Autorickshaw fares have also been revised based on Khatua Committee recommendations. The minimum fare for the first 1.5 km will increase to Rs 30, and the fare for every subsequent kilometre will rise to Rs 20. The revised fares will commence on September 1. Additional night fares of 25 per cent for journeys between 12 am and 5 am within the municipal corporation limits, and 40 per cent for journeys outside these limits between 11 pm and 5 am, have been introduced.

Autorickshaw meters must be calibrated according to the revised fares by February 28, 2027, or action will be taken against non-compliant vehicles. Temporary tariff cards detailing the revised fares will be prepared by the Pune RTO and will remain valid until February 28, 2027.