Bengaluru commuters may soon face higher autorickshaw fares as the Bengaluru City District Regional Transport Authority (RTA) considers a fare revision. This development follows recent increases in Metro Rail and government bus ticket prices, prompting autorickshaw drivers' associations to demand a corresponding hike in their fares.
Currently, the minimum fare for autorickshaws in Bengaluru is ₹30, with an additional charge of ₹15 per kilometer after the first two kilometers. However, autorickshaw unions have proposed raising the minimum fare to ₹50 and the per-kilometer rate to ₹25. In contrast, the transport department is advocating for a more moderate increase, suggesting a minimum fare of ₹40 and a per-kilometer rate of ₹20.
The fare hike, if implemented, is expected to impact ride-hailing services as well, with companies likely adjusting their pricing for cab services. The final decision will be made after discussions at the upcoming RTA meeting.
This potential fare increase has sparked mixed reactions among Bengaluru residents, with some expressing concerns over affordability while others acknowledge the rising operational costs faced by autorickshaw drivers. The city awaits the outcome of the RTA's deliberations to determine the future of autorickshaw fares.