Bengaluru cab fares crossed Rs 100 per kilometre for some short trips as rain, traffic congestion, surge pricing and two major sporting events pushed up demand during the long weekend, while commuters still faced cancellations and waits of up to 10 minutes.
A Times of India check of major ride-hailing applications on Saturday evening found that a roughly 2-km journey from Residency Road to Church Street cost Rs 221 for an AC cab and Rs 202 for a non-AC cab on Uber. An autorickshaw on the platform was priced at Rs 105. Rapido quoted Rs 272 for an AC cab, Rs 255 for a non-AC cab and Rs 96 for an autorickshaw. Namma Yatri was comparatively cheaper, listing an AC cab at Rs 200, a non-AC cab at Rs 196 and an autorickshaw at Rs 66 for the same trip.
The higher prices did not ensure faster service. Waiting times were at least six to 10 minutes in most cases, and commuters reported frequent cancellations. Premium or priority options for AC cabs and autorickshaws cost at least Rs 30-40 more than regular options on Friday and Saturday, according to the report.
Demand was particularly high in Bengaluru’s central business district on Saturday because India’s cricket match against the West Indies and the Bengaluru FC-Chennaiyin FC football match were held in the area. Rain that began in the evening further affected cab availability in other parts of the city.
Commuters in neighbourhoods outside the CBD also reported steep increases. Sparsha NM said a journey from Tumakuru Road to Seshadripuram, which normally cost about Rs 250, was priced at Rs 377 on Uber and Rs 288 on Rapido after rain began. The commuter said neither application provided a ride even after boosters were added.
Sriharsha M said a Friday evening journey from Jayanagar that usually cost Rs 150-160 was priced at nearly Rs 300. With cab fares rising sharply, the commuter said an autorickshaw had to be taken in the rain instead.
Trips longer than 15 km were costing between Rs 750 and Rs 1,000, depending on the vehicle and platform selected. The fare increases came as many residents were preparing to leave Bengaluru for the long weekend, adding pressure to an already congested and weather-affected road network.
The episode also exposed the limits of paying for priority access during periods of concentrated demand. While premium options increased the fare, they did not guarantee a quicker pickup or a confirmed ride. Uber, Rapido and Namma Yatri were contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.
