Commuters fume as Ola, Uber fares see sharp rise over past few weeks

BENGALURU; Of late, Uber and Ola have become inseparable part of Bengalureans’ lives. But a sharp rise in fares of cabs and autorickshaws over the last few weeks is not only driving a hole in commuters’ pockets, but also threatening to bring the honeymoon to an early end.

Sagnik Basu, who uses Uber Pool and Ola Share on a daily basis for his commute to office and back, said: “I was happy to use these services because it used to cost me less than an autorickshaw ride, but now I’m planning to buy a car because the cab fares have become exorbitant. I used to pay about Rs 80 from Mehkri Circle to Trinity Circle on Uber Pool till about two months ago but now, I end up paying Rs 100 or more, even if it’s not raining.”

Ruchira Ramakrishna in Defence Colony, Indiranagar, takes an Ola auto to her neighbourhood gym. “I used to pay Rs 30 or Rs 31 but now it costs me in the range of Rs 43 to Rs 45 for the same distance and it’s the same throughout the day, even if there’s no rain,” she rued.

S Shiv, a private company employee on MG Road and resident of Chikkabanavara, said his daily commute back home in Ola cabs used to cost around Rs 300, but now its Rs 500.

There are cases where citizens noticed that their daily rides have become costlier by 50% to 100% than what it was during the last month.

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While some are complaining of steep fares at all times of the day, many others say it is only during the peak hours and in some particular directions that the fares have gone up. Commuters also complain of not being able to book a ride during peak hours if the fares are low.

Anu R, a resident of Kodigehalli and working in Manyata Tech Park, said: “I keep trying to book a cab or auto in both Ola and Uber platforms for at least five to seven minutes every day to get a ride. Earlier the fare was Rs 130 for an autorickshaw ride in Uber and this has become about Rs 150 during peak hours for the past two weeks. Also, the drivers do not accept rides when the fare is hovering around Rs 130 and Rs 140.”

A ride to the airport in fact pinches the most. Basavanagudi resident Ashok V, who flies in and out of the city almost thrice a week, said he had to pay Rs 1,000 in the last three weeks. “Earlier, the ride through Ola Micro cost about Rs 920. And sometimes, the companies offered discounts on the airport ride which was as low as Rs

500. But I’ve noticed a steep rise during the last three weeks. I’m planning to switch to BMTC’s airport shuttle service which costs about Rs 600 or Rs 700,” he added.