Meters up, but not running! Bengaluru’s auto dilemma

Despite a recent fare hike and a deadline for recalibrating meters, the question "Will you turn on the meter?" continues to be frequently asked.

Bengaluru: Making sure that auto rickshaw drivers in Bengaluru adhere to meter compliance proves to be quite a daunting task. Often, they tend to determine the fare based on their discretion rather than what the meter indicates. The new autorickshaw fares came into effect in the city on August 1.

The minimum fare for the first 2 km has increased from Rs 30 to Rs 36, and the rate for each additional kilometre has gone up from Rs 15 to Rs 18. Despite the revision, many commuters say drivers are not using meters or adhering to the new rates. To enforce compliance, auto drivers have been given until October 31 to recalibrate their meters.

Additionally, all autos must now display the updated fare chart to ensure transparency and help commuters verify correct charges. “Lately, I haven’t come across a single auto driver whose first or even second instinct is to turn on the meter before starting the ride,” said Darshan, a long-time resident of Bengaluru and a regular auto commuter.

News Trail spoke to a few auto drivers who have yet to recalibrate their meters and likely don’t intend to anytime soon. “We don’t turn on the meter because we don’t go long distances,” said one driver, who regularly picks up passengers near the Cubbon Park Metro Station.

Other drivers echoed similar sentiments, saying after completing a trip, they often have to return without a passenger. "We have meters, but we won’t switch them on,” they admitted. Many drivers either operate through ride-hailing apps, ask commuters what fare the app is showing and agree to a similar amount, or bypass the apps altogether and quote their own prices.

Auto drivers highlighted the steep rise in fuel prices, making it hard to cover costs and earn a livelihood. “They talk about revising fares but never address the rising fuel rates. They hike gas prices without question, but when we ask passengers, it’s considered wrong,” said Gokul Raj, an auto driver.

According to a Bengaluru traffic police officer, finding auto drivers for overcharging is difficult. "People rarely come to us and complain,” he said, citing the challenge of being "standing at different spots from them”. As a result, many commuters have given up on complaining and simply open their mobiles to book a ride.

“A passenger asked if I could drop her near MCC for Rs 75. I al ready had another woman heading the same way, so I suggested they share the ride and split the fare. But she declined, saying she preferred to travel alone,” shared an auto driver, pointing out how many in the city are still reluctant to embrace ride-sharing.

Sharing autos or cabs can significantly reduce travel costs and is a more sustainable way to navigate Bengaluru’s traffic-heavy roads.