Cancel permits if autos charge more: Minister
Almost two weeks after public anguish over the exorbitant rise in auto fares following the ban on bike-taxi operations in the state, transport minister Ramalinga Reddy Saturday instructed the transport commissioner to take action against ride-hailing mobile apps and regular autos if they are found charging illegal fares. Instructions have been given to transport department officials to cancel auto permits and book cases for illegal fare charges.Interestingly, the direction came from the minister hours after #stepdowntransportminister was trending on social media platform X over the ban on bike taxis.
Ramalinga Reddy told TOI he himself has received complaints from the public over auto drivers and aggregators charging exorbitant fares. The letter addressed to the transport commissioner states that on June 18, 2025, the ride-hailing mobile app Rapido was charging ₹100.9 per km. 'This kind of daylight robbery is unpardonable and strict action should be taken,' the letter states.
Reddy cited
ride-hailing apps
as the reason for exorbitant fares being charged. 'A majority of auto drivers have attached their vehicles with ride-hailing apps. These apps, instead of following fare rules of the govt, are charging higher auto fares and other fees,' he said, adding: 'Enforcement staff will identify irregularities and take action. No auto drivers should collect more fare from passenger.'
Acting on HC order: Reddy
On the trending hashtag, the minister said, 'We've acted against bike-taxi operations as per the high court order. On social media, people do make comments about the decision taken by authorities, I don't have much to say about that. Earlier, bike-taxi operations were illegally operated. It is to say that the state govt does not support illegal operations.'
Following the letter from the minister, transport commissioner Yogeesh AM told TOI that enforcement officials have been asked to act on the illegal collection of fares. 'When customers street hail an auto, the driver should charge the fare as fixed by the regional transport authority. Ride-hailing apps can charge a 10% service tax in addition to the fares fixed by RTA. Other fees and charges on customers are illegal.' As per the last revision in 2022, RTA has fixed Rs 30 for the first 2km and Rs 15 per km thereafter.
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