New Delhi:
It's been another nightmarish day for commuters in Mumbai. 70% of the city's taxi drivers have decided to skip work - an extension of the strike that began on Monday at midnight.
The Maharashtra government has agreed to hike cab fares from Rs 14 to Rs 16 for the first kilometre. New fares for autos will be Rs 11 from the current Rs 9 for the first kilometre - that's two rupees more than the current rate. The new fares for taxis and autos will be applicable from tonight.
Drivers say that a recent increase in CNG prices has hit them hard.
The strike that began on Monday night was officially called off on Tuesday afternoon after members of the tax drivers' union met with government representatives. The union then declared the strike over but by 8 pm on Tuesday, only a few taxis were back on the roads.
The drivers who are taking the day off on Wednesday say they are worried that their cars might be attacked by a few unions still upset with the government. On Tuesday, taxis were vandalized during the strike.