<p>Bengaluru: With auto fares in Bengaluru set to rise by 20% from August 1, several unions have decided to boycott the hike.</p>.<p>They have urged drivers not to recalibrate meters until the government revisits the decision. Around 50,000 drivers are expected to join the protest.</p>.<p>As of May 2025, the city had 3,60,899 registered autos. Most drivers said they would not accept the revised fares.</p>.Bengaluru records 25% rainfall deficit in July; monsoon to strengthen mid-August.<p>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.</p>.<p>“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).</p>.<p>Drivers want a base fare of Rs 40 and Rs 20 per km.</p>.<p>“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.</p>.<p>The legal metrology department is yet to receive instructions on meter recalibration.</p>.<p>“We have not been notified about when or how to begin. It is a time-consuming process,” a senior official said.</p>.<p><strong>No scope for change: Minister</strong></p>.<p>“The fare was finalised after due research. There is no scope for change. Drivers must follow it,” said Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.</p>.<p>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.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: With auto fares in Bengaluru set to rise by 20% from August 1, several unions have decided to boycott the hike.</p>.<p>They have urged drivers not to recalibrate meters until the government revisits the decision. Around 50,000 drivers are expected to join the protest.</p>.<p>As of May 2025, the city had 3,60,899 registered autos. Most drivers said they would not accept the revised fares.</p>.Bengaluru records 25% rainfall deficit in July; monsoon to strengthen mid-August.<p>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.</p>.<p>“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).</p>.<p>Drivers want a base fare of Rs 40 and Rs 20 per km.</p>.<p>“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.</p>.<p>The legal metrology department is yet to receive instructions on meter recalibration.</p>.<p>“We have not been notified about when or how to begin. It is a time-consuming process,” a senior official said.</p>.<p><strong>No scope for change: Minister</strong></p>.<p>“The fare was finalised after due research. There is no scope for change. Drivers must follow it,” said Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.</p>.<p>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.</p>