The Karnataka Transport Department has issued a new order to regulate the fares of city taxis and app-based aggregators like Uber and Ola. The order aims to address the grievances of commuters who have been complaining about excessive charges by some operators. The order also specifies the charges for waiting time, baggage, night time and GST toll.
The new fare structure, which is effective immediately, categorises cabs into three classes based on the cost of the vehicle. The cost of the vehicle is determined by the ex-showroom price of the vehicle at the time of registration. The following table shows the minimum fares and per km costs for each class of vehicle:
| Vehicle Cost | Minimum Fare | Per km Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Up to Rs 10 lakh | Rs 100 for up to 4 km | Rs 24 for every additional km |
| Between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 15 lakh | Rs 115 for up to 4 km | Rs 28 for every additional km |
| Above Rs 15 lakh | Rs 130 for up to 4 km | Rs 32 for every additional km |
The order also states that no cab aggregators will be allowed to collect extra charges based on time or demand. As for waiting charge, the first five minutes is free, after which passengers would be charged Re 1 for every minute. In addition, app-based aggregators can collect five per cent GST as well as toll charges from the passengers. For cabs booked between 12 am and 6 am, operators can charge an extra 10 per cent.
The Transport Department has warned that any deviation from the mandated fares will result in strict punitive actions. The department has also urged commuters to report any instances of overcharging or violation of the order through its helpline number 080-22210994 or email transport@karnataka.gov.in.
Strict action against violators
The Transport Department has warned that any deviation from the mandated fares will result in strict punitive actions. The department has also urged the commuters to report any instances of overcharging or non-compliance with the order. The order follows widespread complaints from commuters regarding what has been termed as “daylight robbery” by city taxi services.