Representative image of autos.
Credit: PTI File Photo
Bengaluru: The Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU) has opposed the revised autorickshaw fare structure proposed by the government, alleging that it was finalised without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
The revised fares are scheduled to come into effect from August 1.
In a letter addressed to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, the union said that the fare revision had been carried out “unilaterally and without transparency,” in violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. A similar representation had earlier been submitted to the deputy commissioner on July 15.
D Rudramuthy, general secretary of ARDU, said, “It is the drivers who are directly impacted by these decisions, yet we were not involved in the process. The revised fares do not reflect current economic realities such as rising inflation.” According to the notification issued by the District Transport Authority, the base fare will be increased from Rs 30 to Rs 36 for the first 2 km, with the fare for each subsequent kilometre rising from Rs 15 to Rs 18.
The union has demanded a higher revision, proposing ₹40 for the first 2 km and ₹20 for each additional kilometre.
The union has argued that the autorickshaw fares in Bengaluru remain lower than in cities, such as Mangaluru and Udupi, despite a significantly higher cost of living and traffic congestion in the State capital.
“If the government proceeds with the current fare revision, we will be compelled to reject it,” Rudramuthy said.