Bangalore: The auto-rickshaw hire prices are rising every season and going out of hand for relatively poor and daily working people. It certainly does not remain within reach of  BPL families earning Rs26 to 35per day as under Planning Commission rules.

The auto-rickshaw divers association has raised its demand for a minimum fare(1.5km) to Rs24, and for every Km. thereafter to Rs12, from present Rs17 and Rs9 respectively. The leaders on November 23 plead that vehicle gas costs Rs44, whereas it was Rs.38 per liter when(old) rates were fixed, and these prevailing rates need to be enhanced, said Rudramurthi of Bangalore North division(head), who asked how his members could live on.

The city roads have become unmotorable, and a 2 to 3 km journey takes about 45 minutes, he complained, due to bad roads. The prices of spare parts are high and risk of accidents ever present, he added.

He forewarned the state Government to do the needful or face on early strike.