Bengaluru Auto Drivers Demand Fare Hike Following Bus Fare Increase
With the recent 15% bus fare hike, auto drivers in Bengaluru, who have long been pushing for fare revisions, have started demanding higher fares from passengers. Following the implementation of the bus fare increase on Saturday midnight, commuters reported on Sunday that autos were overcharging.
A regular auto passenger expressed frustration, stating, “Many autos are not using the metre, and it’s hard to find one. With the bus fare hike, this is another significant setback. We only get autos if we agree to pay whatever the drivers ask.”
Prashanth, an auto driver, highlighted the financial pressure on drivers, saying, “Although auto fares haven’t changed, our operational costs rise every year. Fares were updated in places like Shivamogga, Mangaluru, and Udupi in 2023, but Bengaluru, which has a much higher cost of living, has not seen a fare increase. How can we manage with the current rates?”
Auto unions, including the Autorickshaw Driver’s Union (ARDU) and Adarsh Auto and Taxi Drivers’ Union, have been urging the transport department to adjust the fares. Rudra Murthy, General Secretary of ARDU, acknowledged the overcharging issue, explaining, “Autos are struggling with current fares. We’ve repeatedly requested the government to revise fares regularly. If this happens, most auto drivers will gladly follow the metre.”
Murthy suggested revising the minimum fare from Rs 30 to Rs 40 for the first two kilometres, with subsequent kilometres increased from Rs 15 to Rs 20. Transport department officials confirmed that a meeting on fare revisions, originally scheduled for December, has been postponed, and a decision will be made soon.
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