Autorickshaw fares to rise from August 1

BENGALURU: Autorickshaw fares in Bengaluru will increase effectively from August 1. The Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner has issued an order to hike auto fares, following a request from auto drivers.

After the revision, the minimum fare for the first 2 km will be Rs 36 and the fare for every additional km will be Rs 18. Waiting time:  will be free for the first five minutes and will be charged Rs 10 for every 15 minutes thereafter. Luggage is free up to 20 kg and Rs 10 will be charged for excess luggage. Night fare will continue as 1.5 times more than normal fare between 10 pm and 5 am.

The Deputy Commissioner has instructed auto drivers to display the new fare chart in their vehicles and recalibrate the fare meters with the revised rates by August 31. Drivers are warned not to charge extra fares and penalties will be imposed for non-compliance.

Meanwhile, the Bengaluru traffic police have launched a special drive against autorickshaws, just as auto fares are set to increase from tomorrow. The operation aims to crack down on autorickshaws that overcharge passengers and refuse to go to destinations requested by passengers, following numerous complaints about these issues.

The traffic police will take strict action against autorickshaws that violate rules. After the ban on bike taxis, there have been several complaints of autorickshaw drivers charging excess from passengers.