Bengaluru’s Online Auto Fares Continue To Soar Despite High Court Ruling On Capping Prices

Bengaluru’s roads are a battleground for commuters, with app-based auto aggregators wielding pricing power like never before. Despite a clear judicial mandate to cap fares and curb surge pricing, Bengaluru’s online auto fares continue to soar high.

Bengaluru’s Online Auto Fares Continue To Soar

A 2022 notification from the Transport Department, subsequently upheld by the Karnataka High Court, stipulated that app-based auto aggregators could charge a maximum of 5% above the stipulated fare. However, this ruling seems to have fallen on deaf ears. The reality on the ground is a stark contrast to the legal framework.

The aggregators, in their defence, cite operational costs and market dynamics. Uber has even challenged the High Court’s decision, though without a stay order, their defiance is brazen. Ola, on the other hand, has maintained a conspicuous silence on the issue.

The Transport Department, the city’s traffic regulator, appears to be in a state of paralysis. Despite acknowledging the problem, Commissioner Yogeesh AM has adopted a wait-and-watch approach, citing a lack of concrete evidence to take action against errant aggregators. This inaction is baffling, considering the clear-cut nature of the court’s order.

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Manipulating Fares At Will

The lack of enforcement has emboldened the aggregators, who have free rein to manipulate fares at will. The concept of a metre, once a staple in auto transportation, has become a relic of the past. Passengers are at the mercy of algorithms that determine the cost of their journey, often leading to exorbitant charges.

The situation is further compounded by the absence of effective consumer redressal mechanisms. Complaints against overcharging often fall on deaf ears, leaving commuters with little recourse. The lack of transparency in pricing and the opacity of the aggregators’ business models add to the consumers’ woes.

As Bengaluru’s population continues to swell, so does the demand for public transportation. The city urgently needs a robust and reliable public transport system to reduce dependence on private vehicles and app-based cabs and autos. However, until then, the city’s commuters are left at the mercy of greedy aggregators and an indifferent government.

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It is imperative that the Transport Department takes immediate and decisive action to enforce the court’s order. Heavy penalties should be imposed on aggregators flouting the rules. Additionally, there is a need for greater transparency in pricing, with clear breakdowns of fares displayed to passengers.

Cover Image Courtesy: Flickr