• Source:JND
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The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of Bangalore Urban District announced on Monday that the minimum fare for auto rickshaws will be increased from Rs 30 to Rs 36 for the first 2 kilometers. The revised fare will take effect from August 1.

According to the notification issued by the authority, the revised fare is applicable within the limits of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). After the initial 2 kilometers, the fare will be Rs 18 for each additional kilometer.

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For the night fare, between 10 PM and 5 AM, an additional half of the normal fare will be added to the regular charge. The authority also stated that auto rickshaw meters must be re-verified and stamped by October 31, and they should clearly display the revised fares on the meters. 

Many Bengaluru residents have expressed concerns about faulty auto meters, overcharging, and unexpected extra charges. Some auto rickshaws in the city do not use meters at all, while others have meters that run faster than normal, resulting in inflated fares. According to commuters, a ride that should cost Rs 80 often ends up costing Rs 150 or more.

Following the RTA’s announcement, aggregator platforms like Uber, Ola, and Rapido are also expected to update their fare structures. According to the Karnataka High Court’s October 2022 order, app-based auto aggregators can charge no more than 10 percent above the government-notified fare, plus an additional 5 percent GST. 

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This fare increase comes at a time when commuters are already facing rising transportation costs, including a recent 15 percent hike in bus fares and up to a 71 percent increase in Namma Metro ticket prices.

(With PTI Inputs)