If approved, the base fare would rise from ₹30 to ₹36 for the first 1.9 km. Thereafter, commuters would be charged ₹18 per kilometre, up from the existing ₹15.
Published Jul 03, 2025 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 03, 2025 | 9:00 AM
Auto Fares Revised in Bengaluru, Effective from August 1
Synopsis: A proposed hike in autorickshaw fares in Bengaluru, coming weeks after the ban on bike taxis, has drawn mixed responses from commuters and drivers alike. While many auto drivers welcome the revision as necessary amid rising costs, daily passengers – especially students – voice concern over affordability and service reliability.
Weeks after the ban on bike taxis in Karnataka, the Bengaluru District Transport Authority’s (DTA) proposed hike in autorickshaw fares has been formally cleared by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.
The file has reportedly now reached Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and is awaiting final approval, Deccan Herald reported, citing “informed sources.”
If approved, the base fare would rise from ₹30 to ₹36 for the first 1.9 km. Thereafter, commuters would be charged ₹18 per kilometre, up from the existing ₹15.
The South First spoke to auto drivers and commuters to understand their views on the proposal.
Many auto drivers see the fare hike as long overdue, especially in light of rising fuel and maintenance costs. However, daily travellers – particularly students – express concern about affordability and the overall reliability of auto services in the city.
“You know, the bike taxis – they haven’t completely stopped it. It’s still very much thriving. Sometimes, we see people parked with an extra helmet; it’s very obvious,” an autorickshaw driver said.
He further explained that these informal operations affect auto drivers’ earnings: “The bike drivers, they wait for you, and you can see them asking for OTPs and location, and they give the helmet, and they go. If this wasn’t happening, then the crowd for auto would be better and our business would run smoothly.”
Aiyaz Ahmed, another autorickshaw driver, pointed to disparities in app-based auto fares:
“These Ola, Uber, and Rapido autos – they’re charging way more. It’s good for the drivers, but not always fair for the people. Some drivers, even if they go just 1 km, the fare shows 74 rupees! That’s too much, no? For 1 km, it should be less than 50 rupees. And also, because of traffic, the rates go up and down. Some days we manage, some days we just can’t.”
Another driver expressed support for the proposed revision, stating simply, “I would be very happy. It’s a good scheme if it’s approved.”
Meanwhile, a regular commuter suggested that the fare hike could be beneficial – provided drivers adhere to proper fare systems.
“In one way, it’ll be good because before we would always hear the same ‘meter is not working’ excuse or the other; now if the price is getting increased, they should be very sincere in their ways, and it will be helpful for them also as they’ll get paid more.”
Meanwhile, many residents have voiced support for reinstating bike taxi services, pointing to their affordability and accessibility.
A frustrated female commuter criticised both the existing fare practices and the prospect of increased charges.
“First of all, they don’t use meters over here, and when you ask an auto driver about the fare, it’s really, really high, so I usually go for these Ola, Uber, Namma Yatri, the ones available online,” she said.
“Maybe they use a similar meter system, I’m not sure, but to now know that the prices are going to go up, it’s really discouraging, especially as students, because autos are one of our main commutes.”
A local resident similarly highlighted how the ban affects livelihoods beyond just commuters.
“It’s good for auto drivers, but it’s bad for those people who want to make a living or an extra income, the ones who used to drive those bike taxis,” he said.
“They’re not very rich people; they’re driving to make some bucks for their daily expenses. It’s good if it [bike taxis] comes back on the road; it’s a cheaper mode of transport, and it’s better.”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
