Drivers want a base fare of Rs 40 and Rs 20 per km.
Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru: With auto fares in Bengaluru set to rise by 20% from August 1, several unions have decided to boycott the hike.
They have urged drivers not to recalibrate meters until the government revisits the decision. Around 50,000 drivers are expected to join the protest.
As of May 2025, the city had 3,60,899 registered autos. Most drivers said they would not accept the revised fares.
The District Transport Authority has notified a base fare of Rs 36 for the first 2 km and Rs 18 for every additional kilometre. The current fare is Rs 30 plus Rs 15 per km, in effect since 2021.
“We are dissatisfied with the hike. It is unscientific and ignores inflation. We have written to the chief secretary and Bangalore Urban deputy commissioner, but received no response,” said D Rudramurthy, general secretary, Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU).
Drivers want a base fare of Rs 40 and Rs 20 per km.
“We will not accept anything less. The fare must be rounded off. With UPI usage dropping, giving change will become a problem,” said C Sampath, general secretary, Adarsha Auto Union.
The legal metrology department is yet to receive instructions on meter recalibration.
“We have not been notified about when or how to begin. It is a time-consuming process,” a senior official said.
No scope for change: Minister
“The fare was finalised after due research. There is no scope for change. Drivers must follow it,” said Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.
A senior RTO official warned that non-compliance could affect drivers’ fitness certificates and permits. “We will coordinate with the traffic police and the Bangalore Urban deputy commissioner,” he said.