Bengaluru auto drivers divided over fare hike, final decision likely later in March

Bengaluru: Most auto driver unions pushed for a fare hike at a stakeholder meeting called by a government committee on Wednesday. 

Of the nearly a dozen unions that participated, only two opposed an immediate increase. 

The unions are demanding an increase in the base fare from Rs 30 to Rs 40 and the per-kilometre charge from Rs 15 to Rs 20, citing rising fuel and maintenance costs. 

The last fare hike was implemented in November 2021. 

The Auto Rickshaw Drivers' Union (ARDU) and the Adarsh Auto and Taxi Drivers' Union (AATDU) were among those pushing for a hike. 

However, at least two unions — the Peace Auto Union and the KR Puram Auto Drivers' Union — opposed the proposal, fearing it would further alienate passengers already burdened by bus and metro fare hikes. 

Auto fares are decided by the District Transport Authority (DTA), chaired by the Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner. 

The DTA formed a committee under Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-East) Sahil Bagla to meet stakeholders, evaluate traffic conditions and passenger demand, and submit a report. 

Other members include RTO (State Transport Undertakings/Auto-rickshaws, secretary) Soundarya KS, Jayanagar RTO S Mallesh, and an official of the Department of Legal Metrology. 

D Rudramurthy of the ARDU, who attended the meeting, said they had explained why the fare hike is necessary and underscored the need to enforce the ply-by-meter system so that drivers don't exploit passengers. 

He hoped that the hike would be implemented later this month. 

However, Raghu Narayan Gowda of the Peace Auto Union, which claims to have 5,000 paying members, argued that the fare hike should be deferred until June or July. 

"Auto drivers are already struggling to attract passengers due to competition from cabs and bike taxis. We get rides only during peak  hours because cabs are cheaper at other times. School vehicle drivers will also offer rides during summer vacation, further increasing competition," he said. 

DCP Bagla confirmed the disagreements among unions and said that the committee had asked them to submit written representations within a week to the RTO (State Transport Undertakings/Auto-rickshaws). Citizens can also file objections, he added. 

"Based on the feedback, the committee will recommend to the deputy commissioner whether the fares should be increased or not," he told DH. 

The Auto Rickshaw Drivers