Bengaluru’s New Meter Auto App Brings Transparency Back to City Commutes, Lauded by Tejasvi Surya
Bangalore Mail Staff Reporter
Bengaluru: Tired of inflated auto fares and endless bargaining with drivers? A new ride-hailing app in Bengaluru is winning commuter trust by going back to the basics—charging only the official meter fare. The initiative has already caught the attention of Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, who praised the app for restoring fairness to the city’s auto rides.
In a post on X, Surya wrote:
“Remember the good old days when Bengaluru autos ran by the meter? @NagaraAuto is bringing that back. With their app, you can hail an auto that charges only the meter fare with no hidden costs & no commission. The fare on the meter is what you pay directly to the driver.”Nagara Auto: A Homegrown Solution
The app, called Nagara Auto, has been jointly developed by Agnibu Technologies and Brand Pride Mobility. Unlike global ride-hailing platforms that often add surge pricing and commissions, Nagara Auto ensures passengers pay only the government-approved meter fare.
Each registered auto-rickshaw comes with a unique rooftop light marker, which glows after dark, making them easy to spot on crowded Bengaluru streets.
Focus on Metro Connectivity
Created by entrepreneurs Niru Aradhyan and Shivanna, the platform is designed to solve one of Bengaluru’s biggest pain points: first- and last-mile connectivity. By linking commuters directly to affordable autos for short trips—especially to and from metro stations—Nagara Auto could ease the city’s dependence on private vehicles and reduce congestion.
Growing Driver Adoption
The app was first launched in June 2024 and reintroduced last month with new features. Since then, more than 1,500 auto drivers have registered, and the number is steadily rising. With its focus on fair pricing and commuter-friendly services, Nagara Auto is quickly emerging as a viable alternative to mainstream cab and auto apps.
Why Bengaluru Commuters Are Excited
• Transparent Pricing: No hidden charges—only the meter fare applies.
• No Commission Fees: What passengers pay goes directly to the driver.
• Easy Identification: The rooftop light marker helps riders spot Nagara Auto vehicles quickly.
• Metro Integration: Strengthens last-mile connectivity for smoother public transport access.
• Driver-Friendly: Eliminates commissions, ensuring fair earnings for auto drivers.
With Bengaluru often in the news for its rising auto fares and disputes over ride-hailing charges, Nagara Auto’s “meter-only” promise could reshape the way the city travels. And with political endorsement and growing driver participation, it may well become a game-changer in urban commuting.
