Bangalore auto fare to hike from December 1

BANGALORE: Auto rickshaw fares in Bengaluru are set to increase from Monday, December 1. The revised minimum fare for two kilometers will be Rs 30 and every consecutive kilometer will have an additional cost of Rs 15. Initially, the minimum fare for two kilometers was set at Rs 25 with each consequent kilometer costing an additional Rs 13. The first five minutes of the waiting will be free and Rs 5 will be charged for every 15 minutes after that. 

The authorities in their official statement also declared that half of the fare on top of the actual fare can be charged if the auto-rickshaw is operating between 10:00 PM and 05:00 AM. The Bengaluru Regional Transport Department said in an official statement that the revised auto rickshaw meter fares will come into effect from December 1 within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike limits.

The Transport Department also stated that passengers can carry luggage up to 20 kg for free and an additional charge of Rs 5 can be added for additional luggage ranging up to 20 kg. The total luggage that can be carried has also been capped at 50 kg.

The decision comes as auto-rickshaw drivers have been demanding an increase in fares due to the present economic circumstances and the increase in the cost of essential commodities. In the last couple of years, the overall cost of living, fuel price, electricity, groceries, etc., has become expensive. Furthermore, the fares have not been revised in the last eight years.