Auto-rickshaw fares in Bengaluru are expected to increase in the coming days after a 15 percent rise in bus fare by Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and 71 percent in metro travel.
According to reports, currently auto-rickshaws charge Rs 30 for the first two kilometres of the ride and then Rs 15 per kilometre. The price was fixed back in December 2021.
Following the increase in bus and metro fares, the auto drivers also demanded a revision in auto fare. They demanded Rs 40 to 50 per kilometre, but the authorities are suggesting they fix a minimum fare of Rs 40 and then Rs 20 for an extra mile.
The auto drivers are saying that due to the hike in LPG, vehicle maintenance, and daily expenses, it is hard to survive in December 2021 with the decided fare. There are multiple auto unions in Bengaluru; a few of them are demanding a price hike while others are opposing it, citing cheaper bus fares and cab fares like Ola and Uber.
It was also suspected that cab complaints will also follow the footsteps of auto drivers and increase their prices to juice out more money from passengers wallets.
However, amid all this, officials from the traffic and transport department held a meeting with auto unions in which their issues were discussed. Authorities sought a week of time to finalise the fare following an approval from concerned officers. To be sure that commuters will bear the brunt of new fares.
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