Auto fare hike comes into effect, leaves Bengaluru commuters fuming over steep increase in app-based aggregator prices

The Hindu

6 days ago

As the revised autorickshaw fare came into effect on Friday, commuters in Bengaluru said that fares on aggregator platforms had seen a sharp increase, with many claiming they are now being charged well beyond the government-approved minimum fare.
According to the new fare structure notified by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of Bengaluru Urban district, the minimum auto fare has been increased from ₹30 to ₹36 for the first two km, with the per-kilometre charge beyond that raised from ₹15 to ₹18. These new rates were notified on July 14 and came into force on August 1.
However, many daily commuters are reporting that app-based aggregators have hiked their prices by 30 to 40%, far exceeding the government-approved revisions. Many of them also complained about the lack of transparency in how these fares are calculated.
Meenakshi S., a resident of Banashankari, said she frequently uses app-based autorickshaws for her daily commute to Infantry Road. 'Earlier, the ride used to cost me under ₹170. Today, I paid ₹230 for the same distance. That's an increase of over 35%. There is no clarity on how the fare is calculated, and the app doesn't show the minimum fare, distance fare, or any extra charges. It just displays the sum amount,' she said.
She further alleged that the aggregators are violating government norms. 'It is unacceptable that these platforms are charging such exorbitant rates without a proper fare breakdown. The government must intervene and ensure that aggregators provide transparent fare details. We can't afford to be held hostage to these apps just because regular autorickshaws refuse to run on the meter,' she added.
Passengers said the absence of a fare breakup not only creates room for overcharging, but also erodes trust in these platforms.
Sangeetha R., a resident of Kamanahalli, said, 'I booked a short ride on Friday and was charged ₹97. There was no explanation nor was there a mention of convenience fees, pick-up charges, surge pricing, or anything else. It's frustrating to not know what exactly we're paying for,' she said.
Apart from fare revisions for day-time travel, the new structure also introduces a 50% night fare surcharge for rides between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Additionally, passengers can carry up to 20 kg of luggage free of cost, but beyond that, a charge of ₹10 will apply for every 20 kg or part thereof, up to a maximum limit of 50 kg. For waiting time, the first five minutes are exempt from charges, after which ₹10 will be levied for every 15 minutes.
Despite repeated attempts, The Hindu did not receive any response from all the aggregator platforms at the time of publication.
A Transport Department official said that as per regulations, app-based auto aggregators are permitted to charge only 10% above the government-notified fare, along with an additional 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST). 'We will take strict action against any auto drivers, owners, or aggregator platforms found violating these rules,' the official warned.