Maharashtra's First Prepaid Auto Service Launched In Thane To End Fare Disputes

Thane, September 21, 2026: Maharashtra has launched its inaugural prepaid auto-rickshaw service in Thane Railway Station, with the aim of eliminating fare disagreements, smoothing traffic flow, and establishing a clear fare system. The groundbreaking endeavor, a joint initiative led by the Late Vasantrao Davkhare Auto-Taxi Driver-Owner Federation and the Thane Regional Transport Office, was inaugurated on the birthday of BJP Maharashtra State President Ravindra Chavan.

Attendees at the ceremony included notable figures like Member of Legislative Council Adv. Niranjan Davkhare, Thane City MLA Sanjay Kelkar, and officials from the Thane RTO. The project has been in the works for two years to tackle long-standing concerns at Thane Railway Station, including chaotic queues, unclear fares, and frequent disputes between drivers and passengers.

With no existing framework for a prepaid rickshaw system in Maharashtra, the initiative overcame initial hurdles by addressing drivers' financial needs. All daily earnings from a driver's shifts will be automatically deposited into their bank accounts, providing them with long-term financial stability. The service, managed through Cityflo's tech platform, guarantees standardised fare calculations, enabling passengers to see the exact fare before their journey and eliminating ambiguity.