Karnataka cab operators seek clarity on fare-meter rule
Karnataka travel operators seek clarity on fare-meter directive, urging a pause until category-wise guidelines are issued.
The Karnataka State Travel Operators' Association (KSTOA) has asked the Transport Department to hold off on implementing its August 28 circular that mandates fare meters in all taxis and motor cabs. The association argues that the directive fails to distinguish between different categories of vehicles, such as street-hailing cabs, airport taxis, app-based aggregator vehicles, and luxury or tourist vehicles operating on advance bookings.
Radhakrishna Holla, president of KSTOA, said these categories function under different permits, business models, and fare structures. He added that applying a uniform requirement has created confusion among operators. The association has requested that vehicles not be denied fitness certificates or penalised solely for lacking a fare meter until clear, category-wise guidelines are issued. It has also sought consultations with industry stakeholders before implementation.
The Transport Department's directive, issued under Rule 129 of the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, applies to both new and existing vehicles. Regional Transport Offices have been instructed not to renew fitness certificates for non-compliant vehicles. Officials said the move follows complaints about passengers being overcharged by aggregators and taxi drivers, while drivers' unions have demanded a uniform fare structure and standardised revenue-sharing.
The rule is expected to affect nearly three lakh taxis and cabs in Bengaluru. Under the notified fare structure, taxis priced up to ₹10 lakh will charge ₹100 for the first 4 km and ₹24 per km thereafter. Vehicles costing between ₹10 lakh and ₹15 lakh will have a minimum fare of ₹115 for the first 4 km and ₹28 per km subsequently. For vehicles above ₹15 lakh, the minimum fare is ₹130 for the first 4 km, followed by ₹32 per km. A waiting charge of ₹1 per minute applies, and trips between midnight and 6 a.m. attract an additional 10%. Aggregators may also collect applicable GST, toll, and other authorised charges.