Bengaluru RTO cracks down on autos charging excess fare, 15 vehicles seized

In a stern message to auto drivers flouting fare rules, the Bengaluru Regional Transport Office (RTO) conducted an early morning special drive across the city to clamp down on autorickshaws illegally charging passengers exorbitant fares. As many as 15 autorickshaws were seized during the surprise operation after drivers were caught demanding nearly double the government-prescribed rates.

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Responding to a surge in complaints from commuters about daytime overcharging, the Transport Department formed ten dedicated squads to carry out inspections in key areas across Bengaluru. Officers questioned passengers on the spot to verify if drivers had collected inflated fares. Where violations were confirmed, immediate action was taken to seize the offending vehicles.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed officials to maintain zero tolerance towards such malpractices. He has further instructed the Transport Commissioner to ensure that strict legal steps are taken against repeat offenders, including possible permit cancellations. He made it clear that both app-based autos and regular autorickshaws will face the same consequences if they breach fare norms.

The RTO has reiterated that any violation of government-notified fare structures will attract the harshest possible penalties, and passengers have been urged to report such incidents immediately. Officials also plan to expand the crackdown to cover more areas in the coming days to ensure transparency and fair treatment for commuters.