Bus fares up, now auto drivers demand hike

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The recent Karnataka bus ticket price hike, ranging from Rs 7 to Rs 115, has left the public feeling the pinch. Additionally, pressure is mounting to raise autorickshaw fares. Several auto driver associations have requested the Bangalore City District Magistrate to increase the fare, proposing an increase of Rs 5 to Rs 10 per kilometre. Currently, the fare stands at Rs 30 per kilometre, with a request to raise it to Rs 40. As per reports, a meeting regarding the fare hike was initially scheduled for December 23, 2024, but was postponed.

It is now set to take place in the third week of January when a decision on the fare increase will be made. However, there is no unanimous agreement among the auto associations, with some arguing that fares should not be raised until bike taxis are banned. The Bangalore City District Magistrate has stated that any fare increase will only be implemented once all driver associations reach a consensus.