App fares surge, meters still ignored in city autos

DESPITE a hike in auto fares from August 1, commuters in Bengaluru say that nothing has changed except that they are paying higher rates with app-based aggregators ignoring the new rates and auto drivers refusing to use meters.

- RISHITA KHANNA @ Bengaluru

The District Transport Authority (DTA) headed by Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner (DC) revised fares starting this month, raising the base fare to Rs 36 for the first two kilometers and Rs 18 for every additional kilometer. But instead of following the new rates, apps have increased fares by at least Rs 40 per trip.

Passengers say it's even more hard to find autos for short distances, and when they do, fares across all ride-hailing apps are nearly double.