Bengaluru
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Auto fares on app-based platforms are becoming a growing concern for Bengaluru commuters, especially after the transport department stepped up its crackdown on bike taxis. With bike taxis becoming harder to access, commuters say they are left with fewer affordable options for short-distance and last-mile travel.
A Moneycontrol report found that some aggregator apps are charging fares above the rates fixed by the government. Commuters have reported paying minimum fares of Rs 50 to Rs 70 for auto rides on some platforms.
App-based auto services in Bengaluru are charging commuters higher fares than the government-set rates (Rs 36/2km minimum), with limited transparency, following a crackdown on bike taxis that reduced affordable short-distance travel options.
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of Bengaluru Urban fixed the minimum auto fare at Rs 36 for the first 2 km in July 2025. Beyond 2 km, the fare was fixed at Rs 18 per km. Waiting charges were also not applicable for the first five minutes.
But the fares shown on apps do not always match these rates. Namma Yatri, for instance, shows a minimum fare of Rs 40 for the first 2 km, followed by Rs 19 per km. It also charges Rs 1.50 per minute for waiting after three minutes and includes a pickup fee.
Commuters have also raised concerns about the lack of clarity over how the final fare is calculated. On platforms such as Uber, Rapido and Ola, passengers may see only the final or suggested fare instead of a detailed breakup of the different charges.
Bike taxi crackdown leaves commuters with fewer choices
The crackdown on bike taxis has also added to the demand for autos, industry sources said. With fewer bike taxis available, more commuters are turning to autos for short trips.
Passengers say the fare can go up considerably once pickup charges, platform fees, distance charges, driver-related charges and congestion fees are added.
This has become a bigger issue for people travelling to and from metro stations, bus stands and railway stations, where affordable last-mile transport is often difficult to find.
A senior transport department official said action would be taken against platforms based on complaints received from commuters.
Rapido, however, said the government-notified fares apply to traditional street-hailing auto services, while app-based rides involve doorstep pickup and other services. The company said its pickup fee covers the driver’s travel to the customer’s location before the ride begins.
