The Karnataka government has issued notice to major app-based ride hailing platforms asking them to stop plying autorickshaw services in Bengaluru. It announced this move following several complaints of app-based aggregators like Uber, Ola and Rapido overcharging for rides.
The notice comes after commuters registered complaints with the Transport Department stating that Ola and Uber charge Rs 100 even for a distance below 2 kilometers. Currently, the minimum auto fare for the first 2 kilometers is fixed at Rs 30, after which every kilometre is charged Rs 15.
Recently, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya also tweeted about this issue. “Auto rickshaw are backbone of first & last-mile connectivity in Bengaluru. We received many complaints recently regarding tech aggregators charging ₹100 as minimum charge against the fixed limit of ₹30. Requested CM Sri @BSBommai & Sri @sriramulubjp to take necessary action,” he stated on Twitter.
Auto rickshaw are backbone of first & last-mile connectivity in Bengaluru.
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) October 6, 2022
We received many complaints recently regarding tech aggregators charging ₹100 as minimum charge against the fixed limit of ₹30.
Requested CM Sri @BSBommai & Sri @sriramulubjp to take necessary action. pic.twitter.com/37h2elgWNj
Terming overcharging an 'illegal' practice, the state's Transport Department issued a notice to ANI Technologies, which runs Ola, Uber and Rapido asking them to stop auto services in three days. It also asked them to file a compliance report.
Ride-hailing companies have to stop their auto services at the earliest and also not to charge passengers in taxis more than the fare prescribed by the government. The department also warned of legal action if they fail to comply with the order, according to an ET Now report citing the department’s notice.
Recently auto unions in the city planned to introduce their own mobile app, 'Namma Yatri', in a bid to compete with these aggregators. The Autorickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU) plans to launch it on November 1 in partnership with the Beckn Foundation, which is backed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.
