Bengaluru: After BMTC-Metro hike, auto-rickshaw charges set to rise; unions demand Rs 40 minimum fare

Bengaluru auto (representational picture)

Travel costs in Bengaluru are set to rise further, as auto-rickshaw fares are expected to increase following hikes in BMTC and Metro fares.

Auto-rickshaw drivers are demanding a hike in the minimum fare from Rs 30 to Rs 40 for the first two km and from Rs 15 to Rs 20 for each additional km.

A meeting was chaired by Sahil Bagla, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-East) in Bengaluru, on March 12, with KS Soundarya, RTO (Auto-rickshaw permits), Jayanagar RTO S Mallesh, and representatives of around 15 drivers' unions in the city.

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"The meeting was attended by a majority of auto-rickshaw unions in the city, where they shared their demands. We have also given them one week to submit their representations in writing. The subcommittee is also assessing various factors.  We will submit a report to the Deputy Commissioner, who will then decide" Bagla told Moneycontrol.

The last fare revision took place in December 2021. Drivers argue that rising LPG prices, daily expenses, and maintenance costs have made the current fares unsustainable.

While associations like the Auto Rickshaw Drivers' Union (ARDU) and Adarsha Auto Taxi Drivers' Union support the fare hike, others, such as the Peace Auto Union and Karnataka Chalakara Okkuta, oppose it, arguing that higher fares could discourage passengers. They noted that cab fares on aggregator apps are often cheaper during off-peak hours. They fear that a fare hike could further reduce ridership, especially after the introduction of the Shakti free bus scheme.

Also, read: Bengaluru auto rickshaw fare revision likely as transport dept calls for meeting

However, passengers have also raised concerns about auto drivers refusing to follow meter rates, demanding excess fares, or refusing rides altogether. This means fares for aggregator services like Uber, Ola, and Rapido are also expected to increase

The revision of auto fares will further strain commuters' pockets following a 15 percent bus fare hike and up to a 71 percent Metro fare increase.