Bengaluru Traffic Police have booked nearly 3,000 autorickshaw drivers over the past three months for overcharging passengers and refusing rides, amid growing complaints from daily commuters across the city.
According to officials, a total of 2,988 cases were registered against auto drivers for violating fare regulations and denying service to passengers, particularly during peak evening hours.
Out of these, 1,354 cases involved drivers charging fares higher than permitted, while 1,634 cases related to refusal of rides or rejection of certain destinations.
Passengers complain of unfair fares
Many commuters alleged that some drivers demanded double fares or outright refused to travel to specific locations. Police also observed that passengers unfamiliar with the local language were often targeted.
The issue has remained a major concern in Bengaluru, where thousands of residents depend on autorickshaws for short-distance travel every day.
Police increase checks across city
Authorities have now intensified inspections in key parts of Bengaluru, including markets, railway stations, bus stands, and IT corridors where complaints are frequently reported.
Under existing transport regulations, autorickshaw drivers are permitted to charge one-and-a-half times the meter fare only after 10 PM. However, police found that some drivers were illegally collecting extra fares as early as 8 PM.
Officials said violators are being fined under the Motor Vehicles Act as part of the ongoing enforcement drive.
Drivers say only few are responsible
Some autorickshaw drivers stated that only a small section of drivers engage in such practices and that the actions of a few are damaging the reputation of the wider auto community.
The crackdown comes amid increasing public frustration over ride refusals and fare disputes in Bengaluru’s busy transport network.