Auto unions want minimum fare fixed at Rs 40 for first 2km

BENGALURU: The government has issued an order to increase the autorickshaw fare in Bengaluru. The minimum fare for the first 2 kilometers has been increased from Rs 30 to Rs 36. Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesha G, who is also the chairman of the Regional Transport Authority, issued the order on increase in auto fare which is to come into effect from August 1.

However, autorickshaw drivers are unhappy with the new fare hike, stating that it’s not scientific and are demanding a higher minimum fare. They are also planning a protest and said they may take the issue to court if their demands aren’t met.

They have also written a letter to the Deputy Commissioner condemning this auto fare increase. They have opposed the fare hike as unscientific and demanded that the minimum auto fare be increased further.

Some key points from their demands include fixing a minimum fare of Rs 40 for the first 2 km, citing that the current hike is insufficient. They are also demanding a higher fare per kilometer at Rs 20, to compensate for increasing fuel costs and other expenses.

Auto drivers point out that cities like Shivamogga, Udupi, and Mangaluru have a minimum fare of Rs 40, making Bengaluru’s fare seem low in comparison.

The fare hike is expected to impact commuters, especially with the recent increase in Metro fares. Some auto unions have expressed concerns about the potential for disputes between drivers and passengers due to the fare hike.

Rudramurthy, general secretary of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU), said that the DC has unilaterally issued an order to increase the auto fare without calling a meeting of any unions. “The government does not revise the fare every year and the last fare revision was done in 2021. Also, the order states that fares will be revised every five years, which is unacceptable”, he said.

He further said, “In Shivamogga, Udupi and Mangaluru, the minimum fare for 2 km has been Rs 40 since 2023. Since the auto meter fare is low in Bengaluru, auto drivers are preferring aggregator apps. Thus, they are reluctant to install the meter. The minimum fare ought to be Rs 40 instead of Rs 36. We have been demanding to fix the minimum fare since 2023. This is not an acceptable decision. Otherwise, the association is considering holding a meeting and approaching the court”.