# Bengaluru auto overcharging ignored as bike taxi crackdown intensifies

2026-08-07T23:52:30+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Bengaluru commuters are questioning why the transport department’s crackdown on illegal bike taxis has not been matched against autorickshaw drivers who overcharge, refuse trips, and exploit the shortage of alternative transport. Over the past three days, officials have seized nearly 350 bike taxis, with penalties of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 and possible licence suspension. Commuters like Reshma and Ravi Prasad say the crackdown has left them paying exorbitant auto fares or enduring longer bus routes. The Namma Bike Taxi Association, representing over one lakh bike-taxi riders, accused the department of ignoring requests for clarity on operating legally after the high court directed regulation. A transport official said Karnataka has no policy permitting bike taxis, which The Deccan Herald notes reflects a contradictory approach to urban mobility.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/why-are-overcharging-autorickshaws-being-spared-ask-commuters-in-bengaluru/articleshow/133039907.cms>
- deccanherald.com <https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/editorial/bike-taxis-seized-rules-still-missing-4105161>

Tags: autorickshaws, Bengaluru, bike taxis, commuters, Karnataka, transport crackdown
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