The Karnataka Transport Minister, R Ramalinga Reddy, has strongly condemned the rampant overcharging by both app-based and regular auto rickshaws in Bengaluru, calling it outright “daylight robbery.” Citing recent examples where platforms like Rapido and Auto O charged passengers exorbitant rates far above the government-fixed meter fares, the minister has ordered the Transport Commissioner to take strict action. This includes canceling the permits of errant drivers, filing criminal cases, and preparing a detailed action plan using commuter complaints and evidence like screenshots. The crackdown comes shortly after the government banned bike taxis, which has increased the dependency on autos and led to a surge in fare violations. Already, more than 1,000 auto drivers have been fined in a single day for offenses such as overcharging, tampering with meters, and refusing rides, as the government ramps up efforts to protect commuters from unfair practices.
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