Bengaluru auto rickshaw fare hiked: Minimum fare now Rs 36

The waiting charge will be free for the first five minutes. After that, passengers will be charged Rs 10 for every 15 minutes of waiting time.

After a gap of four years, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of Bengaluru Urban district has revised auto rickshaw fares.

The minimum fare has been increased to Rs 36 for the first 2 km, up from the existing Rs 30. For every additional kilometre, the fare has been revised from Rs 15 to Rs 18. Night fares, applicable between 10pm and 5am, will attract a 50 percent premium over the regular rates. The revised fares will come into effect from August 1.

The waiting charge will be free for the first five minutes. After that, passengers will be charged Rs 10 for every 15 minutes of waiting time.

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

In terms of baggage, up to 20 kg is allowed free of cost. Beyond that, passengers will be charged Rs 10 for every 20 kg or part thereof. The maximum luggage permitted is 50 kg.

The RTA has directed that the revised fare list be prominently displayed in every auto rickshaw. Auto drivers must also get their fare meters re-verified and stamped by October 31, 2025, to reflect the new rates.

However, some auto-rickshaw drivers have expressed dissatisfaction with the revised rates. They were demanding that the minimum fare be increased to Rs 40 for the first 2 km and Rs 20 per km thereafter, citing rising LPG prices, increased maintenance costs, and other daily expenses as making the current fares unviable.

At the same time, many passengers have raised concerns about auto drivers refusing to follow meter rates, demanding excess fares, or declining rides.

Aggregator platforms such as Uber, Ola, and Rapido are also expected to revise their fare structures following the RTA’s announcement. As per the Karnataka High Court's October 2022 order, app-based auto aggregators are allowed to charge only 10 percent above the government-notified fare, plus 5 percent goods and services tax.

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

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