Social media users were left stunned on Sunday after autorickshaw fares surged to astronomical levels amid rainfall in Bengaluru. A Reddit user highlighted their own experience while using the Uber app on Saturday — where a one kilometer ride priced at Rs 425. Somewhat ironically, the cost of an Uber Go car was significantly lower at Rs 365.
“Yesterday night while it’s raining my friend tried to book a auto as he is going to hometown and the fares just shocking. Immediately he took a umbrella and walked all the way,” the user shared alongside a screenshot.
‘Ridiculous’ prices
The post sparked heated discussion about traffic and commuting woes in Bengaluru — with many sharing their own stories. Reddit users also stressed the need for people to resume “walking or cycling short distances” while others warned that water-logged roads could be rather dangerous for pedestrians.
“Slightly higher. Just slightly mate. Nothing to worry about,” joked one user.
“Uber has just given up, looks like auto anna sets the prices now! For the same ride Rapido showed me 69, where Uber was showing over 350,” fumed another.
A third claimed that apps such as Rapido and Uber had become “mere aggregators” — with only tentative or recommended prices being shown by the platforms. The commentator added that the final fare was mutually decided between the driver and passenger.
“I was in Bengaluru last week and experienced this horror. May you guys get better public transport because this is ridiculous,” added a fourth.
“How is a cab cheaper than auto?” mavelled a fifth.
Bengaluru Rain alert
Large swathes of Bengaluru was inundated this week amid “very heavy to extremely heavy rain” in Karnataka. The India Meteorological Department had also sounded an alert for Bengaluru and predicted continuous rainfall and strong winds till Saturday. Authorities had also issued warnings about possible traffic delays and interrupted civic services.
The latest weather forecast suggests that Bengaluru will continue to receive “light to moderate rain or thunderstorms” till August 28.