When it rains in Bengaluru, it pours, and along with the threat of tree-falls and flooding, commuters face another challenge: securing an autorickshaw ride. Even if they manage to find one, fares are often exorbitantly high. Availability significantly decreases after 9pm, with some drivers intentionally rejecting ride requests, aggravating the problem.
Complaints of Exploitative Practices
Passengers report drivers delaying accepting rides until after 10pm to charge higher prices. Some drivers registered on multiple apps accept bookings based on fare rates, causing inconvenience. Additional charges are demanded beyond app-displayed fares, even for short distances.
Safety Concerns and Legal Actions
Late waits for autos raise safety concerns, with passengers worrying about their well-being at night. Traffic police data reveals numerous cases against auto drivers, including refusals to come on hire and demanding excess fare. Penalties can reach Rs 500, with spot fines imposed during drives against errant drivers.