Bengaluru autorickshaw fares hike likely; Transport authority to announce decision soon

Bengaluru autorickshaw fares hike likely; Transport authority to announce decision soon

Autorickshaw fares in Bengaluru are likely to increase following recent hikes in government bus tickets and Metro Rail fares in the city. Responding to the requests from associations of autorickshaw drivers to increase fares, the Bengaluru City District Regional Transport Authority has set a meeting for Wednesday to debate the fare modification.

The Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU) and the Adarsh Auto and Taxi Drivers’ Union (AATDU) have requested from the authorities for the price hike.

Currently, the minimum fare for autorickshaws in Bengaluru is set at Rs 30, with an additional charge of Rs 15 for every kilometre travelled beyond the first two kilometres. However, autorickshaw unions are pushing for a fare hike, suggesting that the minimum fare be increased to Rs 50, with a rate of Rs 25 per kilometre after the initial two kilometres.

On the other hand, the transport department is considering a more moderate approach, proposing a revised fare structure where the minimum fare would rise to Rs 40, and the per-kilometre charge would be Rs 20 after the first two kilometres. The department's proposal aims to strike a balance between the unions' demands and the affordability for passengers.

The final decision will be made by the District Transport Authority (DTA), led by Jagadeesha G, Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner. The authority also includes 10 Regional Transport Officers (RTOs), Deputy Commissioners of Police (Traffic), and driver union representatives.

A five-member committee has been set up to review the fare hike request and will give its report after the March 12 meeting. The committee is headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-East) Sahil Bagla, who confirmed the meeting and said, “We will listen to all parties before submitting a report.”

The committee has said that they will consider fuel prices, traffic conditions, and passenger demand before making any recommendations. After the report is submitted, the Deputy Commissioner will make the final decision on whether to approve the fare increase.