Bengaluru commuters may soon have to shell out more for auto-rickshaw rides, as various drivers’ unions are pushing for a fare hike. The proposed increase would raise the minimum fare by Rs 10, getting the base price to Rs 40 for the first two kilometres and Rs 20 for every additional kilometre thereafter. The District Transport Authority (DTA) is currently reviewing this demand.
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Why Are Auto Fares Increasing In Bangalore?
Auto fares in Bengaluru have been revised only twice in the last decade, with the last hike in November 2021. At that time, the minimum fare was set at ₹30 for the first 1.9 km and ₹15 per km after that. Before this, the previous revision was in 2013.
Rising fuel prices and inflation are being cited as the reasons for the demand for a fare hike. Auto drivers argue that while metro and BMTC bus fares have been hiked recently, auto fares have remained unchanged despite mounting operational costs.
Government’s Response And Review Process
The proposal is under evaluation by a five-member committee set up by the DTA, which includes transport officials and representatives from driver unions. During a recent meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-East) Sahil Bagla, more than 15 auto drivers’ unions presented their cases. Some supported the hike, while others preferred to keep fares unchanged.
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Bagla stated that officials will assess the data before making a recommendation to the deputy commissioner. A final decision is expected in the upcoming Regional Transport Authority (RTA) meeting.
Drivers Unhappy With Ride-Hailing Platforms!
Drivers’ unions claim that ride-hailing platforms like Ola and Uber charge inconsistent fares, often bypassing government regulations. “While metered fares are fixed by law, aggregators charge anything between ₹18 and ₹60 for the same ride, making it difficult for auto drivers to compete,” said Tanveer Pasha, President of the Auto Union Federation.
Unions have urged the government to regulate app-based fares more strictly to keep things fair for both independent drivers and customers.
Overcharging By Auto Drivers Continues To Be A Concern
Unions have acknowledged the issue of overcharging by some auto drivers. Passengers often report being asked to pay excessive amounts, especially near metro stations. To curb this, they have suggested displaying a toll-free complaint number inside every auto. This would allow passengers to report fare refusals or overcharging in real-time. Unions have also requested that authorities enforce stricter penalties against violators.
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Soaring Operational Costs For Drivers
Operational expenses for auto drivers have skyrocketed in recent years. The price of CNG has nearly doubled. It used to be ₹47-₹50 per kg previously, but now it stands at around ₹90 per kg. Other costs, such as permit fees and license renewals, have also increased. Many autorickshaw drivers argue that without proper price revisions, it is becoming difficult to sustain their livelihoods.
Recent Public Transport Fare Hikes In Bengaluru
In February, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) increased ticket prices by up to 100%, resulting in a sharp drop in ridership. It saw a loss of 2.3 lakh passengers per day after the hike. Additionally, the Karnataka government raised BMTC bus fares by 15% in January, citing rising fuel and operational costs as reasons. Thus, it is becoming increasingly expensive for common people to commute in Bengaluru. Many commuters have raised concerns about the same…
