Karnataka bike taxi ban: Bengaluru Central MP seeks minimum fare of Rs 35 for app-based autos

Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (representative image)

Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan has urged transport minister Ramalinga Reddy to enforce a minimum fare of Rs 35 for app-based autorickshaws in accordance with a Karnataka High Court order, as commuters are forced to pay more with bike taxis going off the roads.

“Following the Karnataka HC’s directive to end bike taxi services by June 15, 2025, Bengaluru commuters have faced fare hikes of up to 25 percent for autos,” Mohan said.

Karnataka’s ban on bike taxis came into effect on June 16 after the high court refused to stay an order that directed aggregators to halt operations till the state framed rules to regulate the service.

In October 2022, responding to complaints that minimum auto fares on aggregator platforms were crossing Rs 100, the transport department issued notices to aggregators, instructing them to halt operations and apply for separate three-wheeler licences.

The aggregators challenged the directive in the court. The Karnataka High Court capped fares at 10 percent above the government’s base rate, plus 5 percent GST. This brought the minimum fare to Rs 35.

“In May 2024, the high court upheld the transport department’s November 2022 fare cap- Rs30 base fare + 5 percent service charge + 5 percent GST. Fares must not exceed this,” Mohan added.

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He, however, alleged that aggregators continue to levy arbitrary charges such as surge pricing, pick-up fees and  tips, resulting in commuters paying well above the notified fares. “Bengalureans have noticed a 25 percent hike in auto fares on ride-hailing apps in recent days,” he said.

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“I urge the transport minister to direct the transport department to issue notices to all aggregators and ensure the fare notification is fully enforced. Enforcing regulations is a core government duty, and the transport department must uphold its responsibilities diligently,” Mohan said.