Since transport authorities began a special drive against autorickshaw drivers exploiting passengers, many operators in Bengaluru have gone undercover or avoided ride-hailing apps altogether.
On Wednesday, this reporter booked an Uber auto from Okalipuram to Residency Road. The driver, Mahesh (name changed), arrived carrying two mobile phones—one loaded with aggregator apps and another for navigation.
“Officials are targeting drivers using apps to demand inflated fares without meters,” he said. Mahesh shared that he had finally repaired and reverified his meter after two years to comply. To evade penalties, he hides the aggregator phone in a concealed compartment after accepting rides and uses the second device to guide his route.
“For every trip, I turn on the meter and ask passengers to confirm it’s a metered ride if we’re stopped,” Mahesh explained.
He’s not alone. After initially lying low, many drivers have started using similar tactics. Some have even created WhatsApp groups to warn each other about enforcement checkpoints.
“This constant crackdown is forcing us into these workarounds,” said Shabreesh, an auto driver from Mahalakshmi Layout. “Instead of chasing drivers, authorities should target aggregator apps that display exorbitant fares.”
The enforcement push continues. On July 2, transport officials seized 36 vehicles and registered 163 cases against drivers for overcharging, lacking valid papers, and other violations.
Since Monday, 190 vehicles have been impounded and 606 cases filed. Officials clarified that the inspections aim to curb fare abuse and refusal of metered rides, especially after the bike taxi ban last month. Passengers are encouraged to report violations for swift action.