India, Aug. 24 -- Commuters in Thane could soon skip the usual fare bargaining with auto-rickshaw drivers, with the Thane RTO planning to start a prepaid auto stand at Thane railway station. The proposed service will allow passengers to pay a fixed fare for their destination before being allotted an auto-rickshaw.

The proposal has been submitted to the state government following discussions between Thane MLA Sanjay Kelkar, the Thane Traffic Police and the RTO. Approval for the proposal is expected to be granted today.

Hemangini Patil, deputy RTO, Thane, said the fares for destinations within about 6-8km of the station have already been finalised.

Speaking to HT, Patil said, "A proposal has already been sent to the Transport Commissione...