Bengaluru Auto Unions Oppose 20% Fare Hike
In a move that is likely to disrupt public transportation in the city, several auto rickshaw unions in Bengaluru have come out in opposition to the government’s decision to increase auto fares by 20% from August 1. The unions have announced that they will boycott the fare hike, urging their members to not recalibrate their meters until the government reconsiders its decision.
The move is expected to affect around 50,000 drivers, who are expected to participate in the protest, out of the city’s 3.6 lakh registered autos. The unions have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the government’s decision, citing that it will only benefit the owners of the autos and not the drivers.
The decision to increase auto fares was taken by the Karnataka State Motor Transport Department in a recent meeting. The department has cited the increasing fuel costs and other expenses as the reason for the hike. However, the auto unions have rejected the government’s argument, saying that the hike is unfair to the drivers.
“We are not against the government’s decision to increase fares, but we are against the 20% hike. The government should have taken into account the drivers’ interests before making such a decision,” said a spokesperson for the Karnataka Auto Rickshaw Federation.
The unions have also accused the government of not taking any steps to address the issues faced by the auto drivers, such as the high cost of maintenance and the lack of insurance coverage. The unions have demanded that the government provide a fare hike of only 5% to 7%, which they claim will be more reasonable.
The government’s decision to increase auto fares has been met with resistance from the public as well. Many commuters have expressed their dissatisfaction with the hike, citing that it will add to their already high transportation costs.
“I am already struggling to make ends meet, and this fare hike will only make things worse for me,” said a daily commuter.
The government’s decision to increase auto fares has also been criticized by other stakeholders in the transportation sector. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has called the hike “unjustified” and has urged the government to reconsider its decision.
“The BMTC is already struggling to operate at a loss, and this fare hike will only make things worse for us. We urge the government to reconsider its decision and find alternative solutions to address the issues faced by the auto drivers,” said a spokesperson for the BMTC.
The government has so far refused to back down from its decision, citing that the hike is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the auto industry. However, the auto unions remain defiant and are planning to take their protest to the streets.
As the standoff between the government and the auto unions continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will be able to implement the fare hike or whether the unions will be able to force a change in its decision.
In conclusion, the decision to increase auto fares by 20% has sparked a major controversy in Bengaluru, with the auto unions and the public opposing the move. While the government has cited the need to increase fares to ensure the sustainability of the auto industry, the unions have rejected the hike, citing that it will only benefit the owners of the autos and not the drivers. As the standoff continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will be able to implement the fare hike or whether the unions will be able to force a change in its decision.
