Commuter Exploitation at Railway Terminus: A Study of Fare Overcharging by Taxi and Auto Drivers in Mumbai

Joseph Maryan D'Silva; Darshana Murkhibhavi; Vijay Wagh

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.89302

Commuter Exploitation at Railway Terminus: A Study of Fare Overcharging by Taxi and Auto Drivers in Mumbai

Author(s)	Mr. Joseph Maryan D'Silva, Ms. Darshana Murkhibhavi, Dr. Vijay Wagh
Country	India
Abstract	Urban railway stations function as critical mobility hubs in large metropolitan cities, facilitating the movement of millions of commuters daily. In Mumbai, major railway termini such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Bandra Terminus serves as gateways connecting long-distance travelers with local transport systems. However, the transition between rail transport and last-mile mobility frequently exposes commuters to exploitative practices by taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers. Reports indicate persistent problems of fare refusal, meter tampering, and arbitrary fare demands, particularly at railway stations where passengers have limited alternatives. Studies and enforcement records show thousands of violations annually, including cases of overcharging and refusal to ply, highlighting a systemic challenge in urban transport governance. This research examines the prevalence and patterns of fare overcharging by taxi and auto drivers at railway terminuses in Mumbai city. Using a mixed-method approach consisting of commuter surveys, field observations, and analysis of the regulatory framework under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the study evaluates the scale of commuter exploitation and the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms. The findings reveal that a significant proportion of commuters experience fare overcharging, meter refusal, or coercive bargaining practices, especially during peak hours and in areas with high tourist inflow. The study argues that inadequate monitoring, weak complaint redressal mechanisms, and asymmetry of information between drivers and passengers contribute to the persistence of such practices. It recommends technological interventions such as GPS-based meters, improved enforcement presence, digital complaint systems, and stronger regulatory oversight to safeguard commuter rights. Addressing these challenges is essential for ensuring transparency, fairness, and efficiency in Mumbai’s urban mobility system.
Keywords	Metropolitan, Terminus, transition, last-mile, tampering, arbitrary, governance, prevalence, bargaining, refusal, overcharging, redressal, asymmetry, transparency
Field	Sociology > Administration / Law / Management
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-10-10
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.89302

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Commuter Exploitation at Railway Terminus: A Study of Fare Overcharging by Taxi and Auto Drivers in Mumbai

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