Bengaluru Auto Fare Hike on the Cards: Final Decision Expected Today

News Flash

28 May

Minimum Fare Likely to Rise from ₹30 to ₹40 After Today’s Key Meeting with RTO and Auto Unions

Bengaluru: After three years of persistent demands and protests by auto drivers, Bengaluru is likely to witness a hike in auto meter fares, with the minimum fare expected to go up from ₹30 to ₹40.

An important meeting chaired by Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner G. Sudhakar is being held today to finalise the new fare structure. The meeting, convened at the district office, includes key stakeholders, RTO Commissioner, all Zonal RTO Officers, and auto union representatives.

“The issue of auto fare revision has been pending for a long time. Today’s meeting will decide the new tariff based on inputs from unions and transport authorities,” said an official from the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

3-Year Struggle by Auto Drivers Reaches Crucial Juncture

Auto drivers and owners in the city have been agitating for a fare revision since 2021, citing rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, and inflation. Despite repeated requests and token protests, the fare remained unchanged — until now.

“For three years we’ve been ignored. Our income hasn't kept up with the cost of living. This fare revision is long overdue,” said a member of a leading auto union, on condition of anonymity.

Fare Revision: What’s Expected?

According to sources, today’s meeting will most likely conclude with a formal decision to revise the minimum fare:

• Current minimum fare: ₹30

• Proposed new fare: ₹40

• Distance slabs, waiting charges, and night fares are also likely to be revised based on input from the transport department.

Once the fare is finalised, the official notification will be issued by the district administration.

Public Reaction: A Mixed Bag

While the auto unions have welcomed the move, commuters have expressed affordability concerns, especially after the recent hike in Namma Metro fares and BMTC bus tickets.

However, transport experts argue that fare revisions are essential to ensure sustainability for drivers who operate without social security or minimum wage protections.

What’s Next?

If the fare revision is officially passed today, RTOs will begin recalibrating meters citywide over the next few weeks. Authorities are also likely to enforce strict penalties for auto drivers who overcharge or fail to update their meters post-hike.

More details will emerge following today’s meeting. Stay tuned to News Flash for the official fare notification and commuter impact analysis.