Guwahati: ‘Inflated’ fare for bike taxi worries commuters in city

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Commuters in Guwahati are increasingly voicing their frustration over bike taxi drivers demanding fares higher than those displayed on mobile ride-booking apps. What should be a convenient and affordable solution for beating the city’s traffic has become a costly and often unsafe experience for many.

A typical bike taxi ride from Chandmari Colony to Ganeshguri, which should cost between Rs 50 and 55 as per the fare shown on ride-hailing apps, is now being offered at inflated rates—sometimes up to 20% higher. The issue becomes more acute during night hours, when drivers reportedly charge double the app fare, leaving commuters with no practical alternatives.

Jayanta Talukdar, a frequent commuter, described the issue as long-standing and worsening. “Most bike taxi drivers don’t accept the app fare. Especially at night, they charge exorbitant rates. Since bike taxis are faster than buses in the current traffic due to ongoing construction, we are forced to pay extra,” he said. He also expressed concerns about safety, noting that many drivers insist on going “offline”, bypassing app-based tracking and compromising rider security.

Adding to the controversy, one bike taxi driver admitted that overcharging has become a calculated practice. “After a few rides at the regular fare, I start asking for more. The companies rarely act on complaints. It’s the only way I can make a profit,” he confessed. He further blamed high commission charges imposed by companies and a lack of action by the district transport authorities, calling for state intervention to regulate the sector more fairly.

The growing reliance on bike taxis amid citywide construction bottlenecks has made these services a necessity for many, particularly office-goers and students. However, the current lack of regulation and enforcement is resulting in exploitation, passenger dissatisfaction, and compromised safety.

As complaints continue to mount, the onus is now on both the cab aggregators and transport authorities to address these violations promptly. The public demands stricter monitoring, fare enforcement, and better accountability to ensure that convenience does not come at the cost of fairness and safety.

Also Read: Assam: Guwahati (Metro) Share Taxi Owners Threaten to Halt Services

Also Watch: