Bengaluru: Minimum auto charge likely to be raised to Rs. 30/-

Bengaluru: After a raise in the app-based cabs and city taxis’ fares, the transport department may increase the fare of autorickshaws

While the LPG rates, daily expenses and maintenance cost have increased, the auto fares have not been revised since the year 2013. Currently, the minimum fare for the first 1.9 km is Rs 25 and Rs 13 for every additional km.

According to the officials, the minimum charge may be raised to Rs 30 and Rs 16 for every additional km. A department official said, “The Road Transport Authority is considering the revision after representations from auto drivers. Their demand is genuine since rates haven’t been revised for eight years.”

The rates will be finalised in two months by a committee formed with members from the transport and legal metrology departments and traffic police.

In 2019, there was a plan to raise the auto fares but it did not come into force fearing that it would help the app-based operators and the passengers would opt for cabs.

Some unions want to increase the minimum fare to Rs 40 and Rs 18 for every additional km, while the others want the situation to stay the same as they fear a crackdown on errant drivers if the fare is revised. The unions are yet to take a final decision on it.