<p>Bengaluru: Since transport authorities launched a special drive against autorickshaws fleecing passengers on Monday, many drivers in the city have been keeping a low profile and avoiding ride-aggregator platforms.</p>.<p>On Wednesday, when this <em>DH</em> reporter booked an Uber auto from Okalipuram to Residency Road, the driver, Mahesh (name changed), arrived with two phones — one loaded with multiple ride-hailing apps, the other without.</p>.Ola under fire in Bengaluru for fare disputes on auto bookings.<p>"The authorities are targeting drivers using aggregator apps to charge high fares without using the meter. I got my meter repaired and verified on Tuesday after two years," he said.</p>.<p>To avoid trouble, Mahesh hides the phone with aggregator apps in a concealed compartment after accepting a ride, using his second phone for navigation. "I switch on the meter for every trip and request passengers to confirm it as a metered ride if stopped," he added.</p>.<p>Mahesh is not alone. After staying cautious for two days, several drivers have adopted similar tricks to bypass the crackdown. Some have formed WhatsApp groups to alert each other about inspection points.</p>.<p>"This relentless crackdown is forcing us to do this. The authorities should target ride aggregators displaying high fares instead of chasing drivers," said Shabreesh, an auto driver from Mahalakshmi Layout.</p>.<p><strong>Crackdown continues</strong></p>.<p>On July 2, transport officials seized 36 vehicles and booked 163 cases against auto drivers for overcharging, operating without valid documents, and other offences.</p>.Bengaluru auto drivers fret over cost of recalibrating meters before fare hike.<p>Since Monday, 190 vehicles have been impounded and 606 cases filed.</p>.<p>"We are not targeting aggregator apps and cabs, but auto drivers overcharging and refusing metered trips. Inspections intensified after bike taxis were banned on June 16. Passengers can report such complaints, and we will take action," a senior transport official said.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: Since transport authorities launched a special drive against autorickshaws fleecing passengers on Monday, many drivers in the city have been keeping a low profile and avoiding ride-aggregator platforms.</p>.<p>On Wednesday, when this <em>DH</em> reporter booked an Uber auto from Okalipuram to Residency Road, the driver, Mahesh (name changed), arrived with two phones — one loaded with multiple ride-hailing apps, the other without.</p>.Ola under fire in Bengaluru for fare disputes on auto bookings.<p>"The authorities are targeting drivers using aggregator apps to charge high fares without using the meter. I got my meter repaired and verified on Tuesday after two years," he said.</p>.<p>To avoid trouble, Mahesh hides the phone with aggregator apps in a concealed compartment after accepting a ride, using his second phone for navigation. "I switch on the meter for every trip and request passengers to confirm it as a metered ride if stopped," he added.</p>.<p>Mahesh is not alone. After staying cautious for two days, several drivers have adopted similar tricks to bypass the crackdown. Some have formed WhatsApp groups to alert each other about inspection points.</p>.<p>"This relentless crackdown is forcing us to do this. The authorities should target ride aggregators displaying high fares instead of chasing drivers," said Shabreesh, an auto driver from Mahalakshmi Layout.</p>.<p><strong>Crackdown continues</strong></p>.<p>On July 2, transport officials seized 36 vehicles and booked 163 cases against auto drivers for overcharging, operating without valid documents, and other offences.</p>.Bengaluru auto drivers fret over cost of recalibrating meters before fare hike.<p>Since Monday, 190 vehicles have been impounded and 606 cases filed.</p>.<p>"We are not targeting aggregator apps and cabs, but auto drivers overcharging and refusing metered trips. Inspections intensified after bike taxis were banned on June 16. Passengers can report such complaints, and we will take action," a senior transport official said.</p>