Bengaluru: After the suspension of bike taxi services, Bengalureans have largely depended on auto rickshaws and buses for daily commuting. Now, the city is staring at yet another financial hit as auto fares are set to rise soon.
Following the recent fare hikes by BMTC and Namma Metro, the Regional Transport Authority has decided to revise auto fares — a move that will directly impact lakhs of commuters. According to sources, the minimum fare is likely to be increased from ₹30 to ₹36, while the per-kilometre charge beyond the base distance may go up from ₹15 to ₹18.
Auto driver associations had been pushing for a fare revision, citing rising fuel and maintenance costs. Their demands included raising the base fare to ₹40 and increasing the per-kilometre rate to ₹20. The Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner has recommended a revised fare structure and forwarded it for final approval. Transport Minister and the Chief Minister have reportedly given a green signal to the proposal, making a formal announcement imminent.
However, commuters are already expressing anger and frustration, not just over the expected fare hike, but also due to ongoing overcharging. Many have alleged that auto drivers flout meter rules, demand flat rates of ₹100–₹200 for short distances, and ignore government-fixed tariffs.
In response, the Transport Department has intensified enforcement. In just two days, officials have registered over 400 cases and seized more than 100 auto rickshaws across the city for overcharging, lack of documentation, and refusal to operate by meter.
As inflation weighs heavy on household budgets, this latest auto fare hike — combined with erratic fare practices — is set to further burden Bengaluru’s middle and working classes.
