Bengaluru: Autorickshaw fares soar after bike taxi ban

Following the recent ban on bike taxis in Bengaluru, commuters are facing a sharp spike in autorickshaw fares, especially on aggregator platforms like Ola. Several users have reported exorbitant pricing, with fares often exceeding three times the standard government rates for short-distance travel.

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For instance, the distance between Town Hall and Majestic Bus Stand is approximately 2.02 km. As per transport department guidelines, the fare for such a trip should range between Rs 30 and Rs 35. However, aggregator apps has reportedly been charging up to R 98 for the same route, nearly three times the regulated fare.

Similarly, commuters travelling from Town Hall to K.R. Market Metro Station, a distance of just 1.5 km, are being charged as much as Rs 80, whereas the standard fare should be only Rs 30. These instances are not isolated, as similar fare hikes are being observed across multiple routes in the city.

Many commuters are expressing their frustration on social media, calling for stronger regulatory action against such exploitative practices. With bike taxis now off the roads, there are fewer affordable alternatives, allowing certain auto aggregators to capitalize on the reduced competition.