Bengaluru: In a bid to check overcharging by autorickshaw drivers following the bike-taxi ban, an enforcement drive across the city Monday saw nearly 300 cases of violations and over 100 autos being seized.As complaints of daylight robbery by both regular and app-based auto drivers pour in, the crackdown, directed by transport minister Ramalinga Reddy, involved 22 enforcement teams operating from early morning till evening. The drive covered both the city centre and outer areas including Devanahalli, Chandapura and Magadi. Jayanagar RTO reported the highest number of violations with 48 cases and 18 vehicles seized, followed by Rajajinagar RTO (36 cases and 13 seizures).Additional transport commissioner (enforcement) C Mallikarjuna said: “Field staff verified complaints directly with passengers to confirm the fare and distance travelled. Cases were booked only after ensuring drivers violated rates fixed by Regional Transport Authority (RTA).”Many of the seized vehicles lacked essential documentation like valid permits, fitness certificates and legal papers. “These are serious offences. Penalties in such cases can range from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000. A detailed report from RTOs will offer more clarity,” Mallikarjuna said.Passengers alleged that ride-hailing apps have been levying unauthorised fees — congestion charges, pick-up fees, driver surcharges and even pre-booking tips — in clear violation of transport norms.In Bengaluru, RTA has fixed Rs 30 as the base fare for first 2km and Rs 15 for every additional km. Despite this, commuters have been forced to pay more, especially after the ban on bike taxis increased demand for autos. The city currently has around 3.6 lakh operational autos.The department has said it will soon evaluate the role of aggregators in these violations. “Once RTOs submit reports, action will be taken against app-based platforms as well,” Mallikarjuna said.CN Sreenivas, president, Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union (CITU), acknowledged the issue, saying 80-90% of auto drivers in the city have joined aggregator platforms. “The department has no control over these platforms. They’ve introduced tactics like platform fees and tips to maintain a commission-based model,” he said.The transport department has confirmed its enforcement drive will continue in the coming days.New minimum fare At Rs 38?Sreenivas told TOI it has been months since a committee headed by a DCP submitted a report to the Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner on revision of auto fares. Auto unions had demanded Rs 40 as base fare for the first 2km and subsequently Rs 20 per km. Sources said RTA is likely to consider Rs 38 as base fare and Rs 18 per km thereafter. Sreenivas said they will meet the minister seeking fare revision.
