• Source:JND
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Bengaluru Auto Fare Hike: Starting August 1, autorickshaw rides in Bengaluru are set to become more expensive as new fare rates come into effect. The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has issued an order mandating all auto drivers in the city to recalibrate their fare meters with the revised rates by October 31. Those who fail to comply risk penalties. This move marks the first fare revision since 2021.

Under the new structure, the minimum fare for the first 2 km has been raised from Rs 30 to Rs 36, and each additional kilometre will now cost Rs 18, compared to the earlier Rs 15. Night fares, applicable between 10 pm and 5 am, will be charged at 1.5 times the normal rate.

As reported by The Indian Express, the waiting charges have also been revised. The first five minutes remain free, but beyond that, passengers will be charged Rs 10 for every 15 minutes of waiting. When it comes to luggage, up to 20 kg is free, but an additional Rs 10 will be levied for every 20 kg (or part thereof), with a maximum limit of 50 kg.

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In an effort to curb overcharging, Karthik Reddy, Joint Commissioner (Traffic), has instructed Bengaluru’s traffic police to take strict action against auto drivers who charge more than the government-fixed fares. Cases will be booked against violators as part of the enforcement drive.

The directive will also apply to app-based aggregators like Rapido, Namma Yatri, Uber, and Ola, which must adopt the new rates. As per a Karnataka High Court ruling from October 2022, such platforms are permitted to charge only 10 per cent above the notified fare, along with 5 per cent GST.

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To facilitate a smooth transition, the RTA has asked that all auto meters be recalibrated and certified by the Legal Metrology Department before the October-end deadline. In support of this, all Legal Metrology inspectors excluding those from the Investigation Wing have been temporarily reassigned to exclusively handle fare meter verification within Bengaluru limits. This arrangement will continue until October 31, after which inspectors will return to their standard jurisdiction-based roles.

This revision comes after multiple requests from autorickshaw unions who cited rising fuel costs, increasing maintenance expenses, and inflation as reasons the previous fares were unsustainable. The last fare hike was in November 2021, when the base fare was increased from Rs 25 to Rs 30 and per km charge from Rs 13 to Rs 15. Before that, the last change occurred in 2013.

However, not everyone is pleased. Some auto drivers have expressed dissatisfaction with the revised fares, stating that their demand for a base fare of Rs 40 and Rs 20 per km was not accepted by the authorities.