Auto-rickshaw drivers are the horrible nightmare of the city, and even if you live here they can be the most difficult group of people to deal with. Poor etiquette and the inexplicable reasons offered by them for refusing to ferry customers have earned them well deserved brick-bats.
Auto-rickshaws are everywhere at any time of day. They are green-and-yellow, and black-and-yellow three wheeled contraptions that use simple two-stroke engines. Nevertheless, they are a fast way to get around the city.
Auto-rickshaws are supposed to charge fares as per the meter reading, which most often equals to Rs 9 x distance (in kilometres) (Minimum charge of Rs 17 for the first 2 km or less), they generally tend to charge on an ad-hoc basis depending on the distance of the destination, the chances of getting another customer from the mentioned locality, and their mood. You should simply refuse to board an auto where the meter is faulty or the driver refuses to use it. Saying "meter please" will usually do the trick.
Tourists should be cautious when approaching an auto-rickshaw during night, or during heavy rains. Chances are they will charge exorbitant rates. Help could be taken from the local traffic police to avail auto-rickshaws during such circumstances. If you are a visitor and do not know the route to the destination it is a good idea to bargain and fix the fare before boarding to avoid long, convoluted routes being used by the driver.
Another thing to keep in mind is to be firm but not loud in an argument while travelling in the auto. Some of the less reputable drivers may team up with their friends midway to cause problems. Remember that although Bangaloreans are known for their polite and mild mannered behaviour, auto drivers are normally an exception. Some will think nothing of trying to rip you off. If in doubt, consult a local or your hotel travel desk.
If a rickshaw driver offers to show/drive you to some great places to shop, firmly refuse. A common tactic is to drive you to local shops where you will be pressured to buy Indian crafts that you probably don't want. Know your destination and insist upon it. Be firm.
Autos add a 50% surcharge after 10PM (called "one and a half" and is the legal charge). Some drivers may demand 100% surcharge after 10PM or 11PM but you must refuse to board in such a case. Heavy luggage costs an additional fee of around Rs 10-20.
Rickshaw drivers are required by law to display their identification on the dashboard or the back of their seats. Refuse to get into a rickshaw that does not display one.
If an auto driver is problematic, note their identification number and report to the BBMP Control room which is empowerd to withdraw their auto license. This is a very effective technique to deal with them. The BBMP control room number as of December 2009 is ☎+91 80 22975803.
The minimum charge as of November 2010, is Rs 17 for the first 2 km and Rs 9 for every additional kilometre.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Bangalore
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Bangalore Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
