- By Deeksha Gour
- Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:19 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bengaluru Auto Fare Hike: Auto rickshaw and taxi fares in Bengaluru have seen a sharp rise after the Karnataka High Court ordered a statewide ban on bike taxis earlier this week. With one of the cheapest transport options now off the roads, passengers are reporting fare hikes of up to 25 per cent.
Several commuters shared their concerns about rising travel costs, particularly on app-based platforms. According to a Hindustan Times report, Prathiksha Harish, a regular commuter, stated that fares began increasing in mid-May. She used to pay Rs 350 for her daily ride from Vidyamanyanagar to Koramangala 6th Block, but now pays Rs 440. She also noted that ride-hailing apps are showing longer wait times and that drivers are not accepting bookings unless tips are added.
The Deccan Herald report cited a senior executive from a ride-hailing firm as stating that, after the removal of bike taxis, demand for autos and cabs has gone up. This higher demand has triggered the automatic surge pricing system, resulting in more expensive rides.
Online, Bengaluru residents expressed frustration with the situation. One user wrote, “For just 2.2 km, auto fares from different apps show Rs 60 to 101. The actual fare should be Rs 33. How is this fair? And now bike taxis are banned too?” Others criticised the government’s handling of traffic and public transport, calling the ban a step backward.
Meanwhile, legal experts said that passengers have the right to raise complaints if they are charged unreasonably. Section 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, allows individuals to take legal action against unfair trade practices, which includes overcharging.