Thu Dec 05 15:56:15 UTC 2024: ## Bengaluru Cab Riders Face Surge Pricing Despite Government Regulations
**Bengaluru, December 5, 2024** – Passengers in Bengaluru are accusing app-based cab aggregators like Ola and Uber of ignoring the Karnataka government’s new fare regulations, leading to significantly inflated prices. Introduced in February 2024, the simplified three-slab fare system aims to standardize fares based on vehicle value, ensuring affordability and transparency. However, commuters report consistently being charged exorbitant amounts, particularly during peak hours and in high-demand areas.
The new system sets base fares between ₹100 and ₹130 for the first four kilometers, depending on the vehicle’s value, with additional per-kilometer charges ranging from ₹24 to ₹32. A nighttime surcharge of 10% is also applied. Despite these clear guidelines, many riders report fares far exceeding these rates.
One commuter, Meghana Rao, described a ₹700 fare for a 13-kilometer trip, far exceeding the regulated price. Similar experiences were recounted by Ramesh K. and Priyanka N., who reported inflated fares during both peak and off-peak hours. They allege that “demand-based pricing” or “surge fares” are overriding the government-mandated rates.
A *Hindu* investigation corroborated these claims, revealing a ₹550 fare quote for a 15-kilometer journey on a popular app, attributed to base rates, time, distance, and “current demand.”
While the Transport Department acknowledged the issue and promised an investigation into the alleged overcharging, app-based cab companies have yet to comment. The department insists aggregators must adhere to the prescribed fares. The situation highlights a continuing struggle to enforce regulations on ride-hailing apps in Bengaluru.
First Piper 