Bengaluru’s auto-rickshaw fares are set to increase after nearly three years, with the minimum fare rising from ₹30 to ₹40 for the first two kilometers. The per-kilometer charge beyond that will also go up from ₹15 to ₹20. The decision, expected to be finalized in an upcoming Regional Transport Authority (RTA) meeting, follows persistent demands from auto unions who argue that inflation and rising fuel costs have made the current rates unsustainable.
Auto-rickshaw unions have been pushing for a fare hike for months, pointing out that the last revision took place in December 2021.
Auto drivers have also demanded a 50% surcharge on night rides between 10 PM and 5 AM, a practice already in place in other Karnataka cities like Mangaluru, Shivamogga, and Udupi.
While drivers welcome the hike, commuters are concerned about rising travel costs, especially for daily auto users.
Many also worry that aggregator platforms like Uber and Ola will increase their fares further. Currently, these platforms charge 10% above the government-mandated rates, along with a 5% GST, following a Karnataka High Court directive. If the hike is approved, their base fares are expected to rise accordingly.
The fare revision proposal will be discussed in the RTA meeting on March 23. Once approved, the Transport Department will issue a formal notification, and auto meters will be recalibrated accordingly.