<p>Bengaluru: The revised auto fares came into effect on Friday, and many passengers immediately felt the pinch.</p>.<p>The base fare has increased from Rs 30 for the first two kilometres to Rs 36, with the per-kilometre rate rising from Rs 16 to Rs 18.</p>.<p>The hike was also reflected across ride aggregator platforms like Rapido, Uber, Ola, and Namma Yatri.</p>.<p>A reality check by this reporter across various routes found that none of the auto drivers were using newly calibrated meters. Most relied on aggregator apps or overcharged passengers, occasionally referring to the revised fare chart, but rarely following it.</p>.<p>"I did not bother getting my meter calibrated as I depend on apps for rides," said Rakshit, an auto driver. "It is more consistent, and I get better fares online. It is also convenient as I do not have to bargain with customers and can choose only the rides I want,” he added.</p>.Bengaluru Metro's Yellow Line receives safety clearance, ministry nod likely next week.<p>Some drivers said they were planning to calibrate their meters, while others were unapologetic about demanding inflated fares.</p>.<p>One driver, for instance, demanded Rs 150 for a 4.5-km ride from Visvesvaraya Engineering College to MG Road. Under the revised rates, the fare should have been Rs 81, and aggregator apps showed Rs 100.<br>"Auto fares have gone up today, that is why I am asking for Rs 150," he said.</p>.<p>Several drivers expressed concern about being fined for not using meters. Many claimed their meters were not working — only to switch them on upon spotting traffic police, revealing a widespread tactic to avoid penalties while continuing to overcharge.</p>.<p><strong>Most auto drivers stick to apps</strong></p>.<p>Even as the revised auto fares came into effect on Friday, most drivers in the city continue to rely on ride-aggregator apps instead of using meter fares.</p>.<p>“They have started applying the new fares, so the usually high prices on these platforms are now even higher. That is why most drivers prefer sticking to the apps,” said D Rudramurthy, general secretary of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union.</p>.<p>Only a few drivers are following the revised fare chart. The union has stood by its decision to not recalibrate meters.</p>.<p>“My objection is being ignored, and it is unfair. The authorities must call for a proper meeting with the drivers,” Rudramurthy added.</p>.<p><strong>Will ensure no malpractice: Minister </strong></p>.<p>Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that auto drivers and ride-aggregators must follow the revised fares.</p>.<p>“We will ensure there is no malpractice. If drivers fail to recalibrate meters within the stipulated time, we will revert to the old fares,” he said.</p>.<p>He added that the government would deploy more inspectors in the Legal Metrology Department to streamline the recalibration and verification process. The department currently has only 18 inspectors.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: The revised auto fares came into effect on Friday, and many passengers immediately felt the pinch.</p>.<p>The base fare has increased from Rs 30 for the first two kilometres to Rs 36, with the per-kilometre rate rising from Rs 16 to Rs 18.</p>.<p>The hike was also reflected across ride aggregator platforms like Rapido, Uber, Ola, and Namma Yatri.</p>.<p>A reality check by this reporter across various routes found that none of the auto drivers were using newly calibrated meters. Most relied on aggregator apps or overcharged passengers, occasionally referring to the revised fare chart, but rarely following it.</p>.<p>"I did not bother getting my meter calibrated as I depend on apps for rides," said Rakshit, an auto driver. "It is more consistent, and I get better fares online. It is also convenient as I do not have to bargain with customers and can choose only the rides I want,” he added.</p>.Bengaluru Metro's Yellow Line receives safety clearance, ministry nod likely next week.<p>Some drivers said they were planning to calibrate their meters, while others were unapologetic about demanding inflated fares.</p>.<p>One driver, for instance, demanded Rs 150 for a 4.5-km ride from Visvesvaraya Engineering College to MG Road. Under the revised rates, the fare should have been Rs 81, and aggregator apps showed Rs 100.<br>"Auto fares have gone up today, that is why I am asking for Rs 150," he said.</p>.<p>Several drivers expressed concern about being fined for not using meters. Many claimed their meters were not working — only to switch them on upon spotting traffic police, revealing a widespread tactic to avoid penalties while continuing to overcharge.</p>.<p><strong>Most auto drivers stick to apps</strong></p>.<p>Even as the revised auto fares came into effect on Friday, most drivers in the city continue to rely on ride-aggregator apps instead of using meter fares.</p>.<p>“They have started applying the new fares, so the usually high prices on these platforms are now even higher. That is why most drivers prefer sticking to the apps,” said D Rudramurthy, general secretary of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union.</p>.<p>Only a few drivers are following the revised fare chart. The union has stood by its decision to not recalibrate meters.</p>.<p>“My objection is being ignored, and it is unfair. The authorities must call for a proper meeting with the drivers,” Rudramurthy added.</p>.<p><strong>Will ensure no malpractice: Minister </strong></p>.<p>Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that auto drivers and ride-aggregators must follow the revised fares.</p>.<p>“We will ensure there is no malpractice. If drivers fail to recalibrate meters within the stipulated time, we will revert to the old fares,” he said.</p>.<p>He added that the government would deploy more inspectors in the Legal Metrology Department to streamline the recalibration and verification process. The department currently has only 18 inspectors.</p>