Do we start walking, ask Bengalureans

Ride-hailing platforms to charge up to twice base fare during peak

Bengaluru: In a city like Bengaluru, where the cost of living is already high due to exorbitant rent and food expenses, rising commute costs are only making things worse,” said Gayathri, a regular user of ride-hailing apps such as Ola, Uber and Rapido. She expressed frustration over the government’s recently revised regulations.

Under the new guidelines, the Indian government now permits ride-hailing platforms to charge up to twice the base fare during peak hours. During non-peak periods, fares may drop to as low as 50% of the base rate. The rules also impose penalties on both drivers and passengers for unjustified cancellations. Gayathri said she had stopped using ride-hailing apps and had switched to public buses due to the rising cost of travel.

“After the bike taxis were banned, and with already expensive auto-rickshaw fares, now they’ve introduced more rules for cabs too. Should we just start walking?” she remarked in frustration. Prof Ashish Verma, Professor of Transport Systems Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science, emphasised the need for a more comprehensive and well-thought-out mobility policy.

“We need a vision- driven approach to regulation that offers a long-term solution,” he said. From a commuter's perspective, he noted, fare hikes are highly damaging. “They have lasting socio- economic impacts, affecting people’s accessibility, overall quality of life, and standard of living.” He also pointed out that, over the past year, the cost of public transport in Bengaluru – including BMTC buses, the Metro and autorickshaws – has gone up.

“Even if people want to walk, where are the safe and proper footpaths?” he questioned. One commuter recounted a recent experience when she booked a cab after 10 p.m. The driver, only after she got in, informed her that the fare would be doubled due to a night- time surge — something not indicated at the time of booking.

“There should be a cap on surge pricing during peak or odd hours. I just hope the drivers benefit from it, and not just the operators,” she said. Priya Venkatraman, a regular cab user, added, “These drivers often get stuck in traffic and struggle to complete enough rides in a day. I try to empathise with them sometimes, understanding their side of things.”

Many Bengaluru residents have slammed the government’s revised cab fare policy, calling it poorly timed and insensitive. In a city already burdened by high living costs, they argue that unpredictable commute charges only deepen everyday struggles.