BENGALURU: After the bike taxis were banned in Karnataka, app-based autorickshaws allegedly started overcharging passengers. Public TV reported this issue and subsequently, Transport Department officials took action against these autorickshaws .
On the instructions of Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, RTO officials conducted a massive crackdown on autorickshaws that were overcharging passengers. A total of 22 teams were formed and 11 RTOs in Bengaluru participated in the operation.
The crackdown was carried out in areas such as Yeshwantpur, Rajajinagar, Jnanabharathi, Koramangala and Kasturi Nagar. Many autorickshaw drivers were caught and fined for charging double the fare.
A total of 98 autorickshaws were seized in Bengaluru and 260 cases were registered against auto drivers for fleecing passengers.
Similar action was taken in Ramanagara, where four autorickshaws were seized. Passengers expressed frustration and anger over the alleged overcharging practice by autorickshaw drivers. The action aims to regulate app-based auto services and prevent extortion.