Bengaluru revised auto fare effective from today: ‘Drivers must follow meter’, say users

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With the revised auto fares coming into effect across Bengaluru from August 1, commuters only demand is that auto drivers abide by the law and go by meter.

According to The New Indian Express, the commuters have demanded that Bengaluru traffic police and transport department enforce the revised fares and take strict action against those who do not fall in line.

Auto drivers have been given time till October 31 to recalibrate their auto meters to the revised fares.

As per the report, auto fares have been revised from the existing Rs 30 to Rs 36 for 2 km and for every subsequent km from the existing Rs 15 to Rs 18.

“We hardly find autos that go by the meter in the city. Sometimes we are also fine with paying Rs 20 extra from the meter. But auto drivers demand nearly three-four times the meter fares,” Banumathy, a senior citizen, was quoted by TINE as saying.

A majority of auto users were quoted by TINE as saying that auto drivers in Bengaluru have zero fear of the law of the land. Giving an example of Pune, one auto user said, “Every single auto follows the meter in Pune.”

“Even an outsider can go and hire an auto without any bargaining as they go by the meter. A single complaint of charging extra will cost them their permit. In contrast, here, we hardly see any crackdown and autos charge as per their whims and fancies,” the user added.

The traffic police department told TINE that they will start a special drive against auto drivers not following the meter and refusing to take rides.