Bengaluru auto fares set to increase significantly
Bengaluru's auto-rickshaw fares are about to go up for the first time in over three years.
If approved, the base fare will jump from ₹30 to ₹36 for the first 1.9km, and every extra kilometer will now cost ₹18 instead of ₹15.
This 20% hike was suggested by a transport authority committee after looking at rising fuel prices, traffic issues, and requests from auto unions—but it still needs a green light from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Meter recalibration could take months
Auto drivers say recalibrating meters to an odd base fare like ₹36 could take up to six months and might confuse both drivers and riders.
The last fare bump was back in November 2021, so this would be only the third major increase in 12 years.
Fare hike proposed after bike taxi ban
The timing lines up with Bengaluru's recent ban on bike taxis, which took away a cheaper travel option for many people.
While unions pushed for even higher fares (₹40 base, ₹20 per km), the committee went with something more moderate.
Now it's just a wait-and-watch until the CM makes his call.