Aggregator begins charging revised auto fares ahead of August 1 implementation, draws flak from commuters

Auto aggregator platform Namma Yatri has come below criticism from commuters after it started charging the newly revised autorickshaw fares a fortnight forward of the official implementation date introduced by the federal government.

The fare hike, introduced by the Bengaluru City Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on July 14, is scheduled to come back into impact from August 1. The revised construction raises the bottom fare for the primary 2 km from ₹30 to ₹36, and the per-km price past that from ₹15 to ₹18.

Nonetheless, a number of commuters observed that Namma Yatri, which claims to be a driver-first platform supported by autorickshaw unions, had already begun implementing the brand new charges from July 15 itself, a day after the official announcement.

Siddharth Kumar, a resident of Arekere on Bannerghatta Highway, was stunned to see the revised fare whereas reserving a journey on the night time of July 15 from M.G. Highway. “The fare breakup within the app confirmed ₹36 for the primary 2 km and ₹18 per km after that, although the brand new fares are alleged to be applied from August 1. That is unethical and quantities to misusing the fare hike to overcharge prospects. Namma Yatri began as an trustworthy initiative by drivers, is now behaving like another aggregator,” he mentioned.

One other commuter, Priya R., who incessantly makes use of autos for her each day workplace commute in Indiranagar, shared the same expertise. It’s disappointing {that a} platform constructed by drivers for the individuals would bounce the gun and disrespect official timelines. It raises questions on accountability,” she mentioned.

Including to the confusion, the app additionally confirmed a ready time cost of ₹1.50 per minute after 3 minutes, whereas the RTA’s official notification permits a free ready time of 5 minutes, adopted by a cost of ₹10 for each quarter-hour.

When contacted, Shan M.S., co-founder of Namma Yatri, clarified that the revised fare show was not a full rollout however a part of a restricted pilot. In an e-mail response to The Hindu, he mentioned, “We wish to make clear that the brand new fare coverage displayed on the app from July 15 was a part of a restricted pilot to check system readiness and collect driver-citizen suggestions forward of the official implementation.”

“Nonetheless, Namma Yatri will undertake the revised fare construction strictly as per authorities instructions (beginning August 1). Till then, we proceed to comply with the prevailing auto fare construction notified by the Authorities of Karnataka,” he mentioned.

The early rollout, even when termed a pilot, has raised considerations about transparency and consistency in fare implementation. The Hindu contacted Bengaluru City Deputy Commissioner G. Jagadeesha relating to this problem; nonetheless, he didn’t reply.