Bengaluru, July 1, 2025 – Commuters in Bengaluru will face higher auto-rickshaw fares starting this month, as the Karnataka government has approved the first fare hike in nearly four years. The new rates, effective immediately, set the base fare at ₹36 for the first 1.9 kilometers, with ₹18 charged for every subsequent kilometer, according to the state’s Transport Department. This move comes amid rising fuel costs, inflation, and demands from auto unions, but it’s sparking mixed reactions from passengers and drivers alike.

New Auto Fare Structure in Bengaluru

The Karnataka Transport Department has revised auto-rickshaw fares to address escalating operational costs, including skyrocketing LPG prices and vehicle maintenance expenses. The updated fare structure is as follows:

• Base Fare: ₹36 for the first 1.9 km (up from ₹30 for 2 km, set in November 2021).
• Subsequent Kilometers: ₹18 per km (up from ₹15 per km).
• Night Charges (10 PM–5 AM): A 50% premium on the metered fare.
• Waiting Charges: Free for the first 5 minutes, ₹5 for every 15 minutes thereafter.
• Luggage Charges: Up to 20 kg free, ₹5 for additional luggage up to 50 kg.

This marks the first significant revision since December 2021, when the base fare was increased from ₹25 to ₹30. The decision follows months of negotiations with auto unions, who had pushed for a ₹40 base fare and ₹20 per km, citing rising CNG prices and inflation.

Why the Fare Hike?

Auto-rickshaw unions, including the Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU) and Adarsha Auto Drivers’ Union, have long argued that operational costs have outpaced fare adjustments. Tanveer Pasha, president of the Auto Union Federation, highlighted that LPG prices have surged from ₹28 per liter in 2013 to ₹66 in 2025, with maintenance and permit fees adding further strain. “Metro and BMTC bus fares have increased, but auto fares remained stagnant for years. This hike is overdue,” Pasha told The Indian Express.

The fare revision also follows the Karnataka government’s ban on bike taxis, a key condition set by auto drivers to curb competition from app-based services like Rapido. The ban has led to a reported 50% surge in auto fares, with some commuters noting rides as short as 3 km costing ₹120–₹150 due to drivers demanding extra “tips” or bypassing meters.

Commuter Concerns and Aggregator Issues

The fare hike has sparked frustration among Bengaluru’s commuters, who already face challenges with drivers refusing to use meters or demanding excessive fares. Social media posts on X reflect public discontent, with users like @PCMohanMP noting that a 1.5 km ride via aggregators like Ola and Uber can cost over ₹70 due to unregulated pricing. “Fare regulation has collapsed. The government must enforce meters and protect commuters from app cartelization,” he posted on June 26, 2025.

Commuters like Anupama, a regular auto user, expressed dismay to The Hindu, stating, “Everything is becoming expensive. A 7 km ride will now cost me an extra ₹15.” Others have reported cases of drivers refusing rides or overcharging near metro stations, with Bengaluru traffic police recording 3,026 cases of excess fare demands and 3,014 refusals to hire in 2024 (up to October).

App-based aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido have also drawn criticism for inconsistent pricing, sometimes charging as low as ₹18 or as high as ₹60 per trip, bypassing the government’s metered system. The Karnataka Transport Department capped aggregator convenience fees at 5% plus 5% GST in 2022, but enforcement remains a challenge.

Mixed Reactions from Auto Unions

While unions like ARDU support the hike, others, such as Peace Auto Union and Karnataka Chalakara Okkuta, fear it could drive passengers to alternatives like the Shakti free bus scheme or cheaper cabs during off-peak hours. “Higher fares might discourage passengers, especially with app-based cabs undercutting us,” a representative from Peace Auto Union told CNBC TV18. The District Transport Authority (DTA) finalized the rates after reviewing proposals in a March 2025 meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-East) Sahil Bagla.

What’s Next for Bengaluru Commuters?

The fare hike comes on the heels of recent increases in BMTC bus fares (15%) and Bengaluru Metro ticket prices (up to 100%), further straining commuters’ budgets. Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy justified the revisions, citing a ₹3,650 crore annual deficit faced by transport corporations due to rising fuel and staff costs.

To address overcharging, unions have proposed displaying toll-free complaint numbers in autos to report fare violations or ride refusals. Commuters are urged to contact the Transport Department at 9449863429 or 9449863426 (WhatsApp) for grievances.

As Bengaluru’s transport costs continue to rise, the fare hike underscores the delicate balance between supporting drivers’ livelihoods and ensuring affordable mobility for residents. For the latest updates, visit Deccan Herald or The Indian Express.

Published: July 1, 2025 | MasalaMirror.com

Keywords: Bengaluru auto fare hike, Karnataka auto fares, ₹36 base fare, ₹ \

18 per km, auto-rickshaw unions, transport department, Bengaluru commuters, fare regulation

Meta Description: Bengaluru auto fares rise after 4 years: ₹36 for first 1.9 km, ₹18 per km thereafter. Learn about the new rates, commuter reactions, and aggregator issues.

Tags: Bengaluru, Auto Fare Hike, Karnataka, Transport, Auto-Rickshaw, Commuters, Ola Uber, Fare Regulation