BENGALURU: Aggreagtor Ola’s autorickshaw service is set to become dearer for commuters. The app-based service has revised its fare for autos and will now charge Rs 20 as convenience fee plus other costs over the metered fare. Earlier, the convenience fee was Rs 10.
Now, a commuter choosing Ola auto will have to pay Rs 20, 14 per cent service tax and 1 per cent Swachh Bharat Cess over the meter fare fixed by government.
The minimum fare for autos is Rs 25 for the first 1.9km and Rs 13 for every subsequent km travelled. Ola revising its fares has left other auto drivers fuming — their primary grouse being authorities cracking down on them for overcharging while turning a blind eye to app-based operators.
Rudramurthy, general secretary, Autorickshaw Driver’s Union said, “Many autos were seized by traffic police when drivers demanded Rs 20 above meter fare, but no action has been taken against Ola autos charging extra.”
Commuters too are not happy with the fare hike. “Ola has neither publicised the increase in auto fare nor does it provide the break-up of the fare structure before the journey. If an Ola auto is charging Rs 20 more per trip, then there is no difference between Ola auto and regular autos,” said Swathi S, a regular commuter on MG Road.
Some commuters, however, say they don’t have an alternative. “It’s difficult to get a regular auto or cab during peak hours, but Ola autos are always available,” said M S Shahana, a commuter.