Almost overnight, passengers reported minimum fare increases ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 70 on popular ride-hailing applications. The hikes were noticeable from Monday evening and continued throughout Tuesday, leaving many residents frustrated. Bengaluru: Commuters across the city are facing significantly higher auto-rickshaw fares this week. The price surge follows the suspension of bike taxi services. Almost overnight, passengers reported minimum fare increases ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 70 on popular ride-hailing applications. The hikes were noticeable from Monday evening and continued throughout Tuesday, leaving many residents frustrated, as per a report by Deccan Herald.
The frustration was shared by travellers across Bengaluru, who found their daily commute suddenly much more expensive.Soibam Jayananda Singh, a communications professional told Deccan Herald, travels from Koramangala 1st Block to his office on Langford Road. He said that a typical auto ride during peak hours costs him between Rs 140 and Rs 150. Another daily traveller, who lives in Indiranagar and works in Richmond Town, saw fares jump by approximately Rs 20 to Rs 30 on all platforms. She added that despite the higher price, securing a ride was difficult without adding a tip of at least Rs 60.
The issue was widespread. Sneha B., who travels from Sultanpalya to Hebbal, said her usuaRs 120 fare increased by Rs 25 on Namma Yatri and by Rs 40 on Rapido and Ola. Similarly, a journey of 11 kilometres from Akshaynagar to MG Road, which usually costs around Rs 160, was priced at Rs 230 on Tuesday afternoon. A source within a leading ride-aggregator platform told DH that the surge pricing is a direct consequence of market force. However, the practice of rapidly changing fares, known as dynamic pricing, is facing legal scrutiny.