Cab rides from KIA cost more now as BIAL hikes pickup fees

BENGALURU: Rides in aggregator cabs plying from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) to the city have become costlier as Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates KIA, has hiked the pickup fees. The increased rates have been passed on to passengers.

Around 70 per cent of passengers arriving at the KIA airport use Ola and Uber services, while 30 per cent rely on BMTC buses, and some of them use their own vehicles.

The BIAL has renewed the agreement with the aggregater-based vehicle operators. As per the new agreement, the airport pickup charges have been increased by 22 per cent to 40 per cent.

The airport pickup charge for Uber has increased from Rs 187.62 to Rs 260.78 per ride. Similarly, Ola’s ‘Transport Hub Charge’ has increased from Rs 172 to Rs 215 every trip. This additional amount is being borne by passengers.

Passengers have expressed their anger on social media platforms by sharing screenshots of the old and new airport charges. Some passengers have shared screenshots of receipts of Rs 187 in July and Rs 260 in August.

Additionally, the BIAL is already charging an entry fee for private and commercial vehicles from May this year. This includes parking and overnight stay charges for vehicles entering the pickup lanes of Terminals 1 and 2.

The hike in Ola-Uber fares has led to outrage from passengers.