Bengaluru – Commuters in Bengaluru will have to pay more for auto rickshaw rides starting August 1, 2025. The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of Bangalore Urban District announced on Monday that auto fares will be revised across the city.
According to the new fare structure, the minimum charge will increase from ₹30 to ₹36 for the first 2 kilometers. After the first 2 kilometers, ₹18 will be charged per additional kilometer. A night fare will also be applicable between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., during which 50% of the normal fare will be added to the total.
Passengers are allowed to carry up to 20 kg of luggage free of charge. For baggage over this limit, an additional fee of ₹10 will be charged for every extra 20 kg. The RTA has also directed all auto drivers to recalibrate and re-verify their meters by October 31, 2025.
Concerns Over Meter Tampering and Overcharging
Despite the revised fares, many passengers have raised concerns about ongoing issues with auto rickshaw services. Some autos reportedly do not use meters, while others have tampered meters that charge more than the actual fare.
For instance, several commuters claim that rides which should normally cost around ₹80 are often priced at ₹150 or more. A student, Akshara Shrivastav, shared her experience of traveling from Indiranagar to MG Road—a trip that usually costs her ₹80–₹90. Last month, however, she was charged ₹180 by an auto driver.
Similarly, Subramaniam Sastri, a senior citizen, reported being charged ₹210 for a 3-kilometer ride to a nearby clinic. When he questioned the fare, the driver became aggressive and refused to respond.
Public Demand for Stricter Regulation
Many residents have expressed frustration over the lack of enforcement against auto drivers who overcharge. Citizens are urging the Regional Transport Authority to take strong action to ensure fare compliance and protect passengers from unfair practices.
As the fare hike comes into effect next month, authorities are expected to monitor and enforce the revised rules strictly to avoid further inconvenience to the public.
