Aggregator platforms ‘fleecing’ autorickshaw passengers after bike taxi ban in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Following the ban on bike taxis in the city, online aggregator platforms and autorickshaw drivers are allegedly fleecing passengers in excess of the prescribed fare.

An autorickshaw passenger pointed out that Uber and Ola were charging thrice the fare for a distace of 2.02 km from Town Hall to the Majestic bus station. While the normal fare would be Rs 30-35, Ola is charging Rs 98, the passenger pointed out.

Similarly, for a distance of 1.4 km from Corporation Circle to Shantinagar, passengers are being forced to pay Rs 90 while for a distance of 2.4 km from Corporation Circle to Shivananda Circle, Uber is charging Rs 100. The sudden jacked-up fares has led to anger among passengers.

“I came from Ballari and had to go to HAL from Majestic, but Ola/Uber autorickshaw drivers are demanding Rs 300-400 as fare. How can we bear such hefty fares”, said Kiran Kumar. “The ban on Rapido is posing a big problem”, he added.

Ganesh, who returned to the city from Kasargod in Kerala, said, “Ola is demanding Rs 100 for a distance of 2 km. Earlier, I used to rely on Rapido”. “The hiked fares is a burden on people. Autorickshaw fares are higher that Rapido. The authorities should ensure reasonable fares”, said Sandeep.