Bengaluru gets metered taxis with no surge or peak-hour pricing, app launch soon

These taxis come equipped with a green and red indicator light—a green light signals availability, while a red light means the taxi is occupied.

Updated on: Feb 10, 2025, 11:12:36 IST

By Anagha Deshpande

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Bengaluru residents now have a new alternative to app-based cabs, as metered taxis have been introduced in the city. The Nagara Metered Taxis promise fair pricing with no peak-hour charges, hidden fees, or inflated fares during rain—a welcome relief for daily travelers.

Unlike app-based ride services, Nagara taxis will strictly follow metered fares. (X/@NagaraAuto)

How it works

These taxis come equipped with a green and red indicator light—a green light signals availability, while a red light means the taxi is occupied. Unlike app-based ride services, Nagara taxis will strictly follow metered fares, ensuring passengers are charged fairly.

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A Nagara metered taxi driver, in a video shared on X, revealed that their mobile app will be launched in about 15 days. However, the app will only be used for location pickup and drop-off details—all billing will be done based on the taxi meter. The only exception to the standard fare structure is a 10 per cent surcharge between midnight 12 am and 6 am.

Sharing an update on X, Nagara Metered Auto wrote, "We have been working very hard, and our tech stack is coming up nicely. Please do watch this short video on how Nagara is going to completely transform mobility through professional drivers. Our business model is based on the core principles of transparency, regulatory compliance, and fare reliability."

How did X users react?

X users welcomed the launch of Nagara Metered Taxis, with many praising the initiative for bringing transparency and fair pricing to Bengaluru’s commute options.

Several users congratulated the team and encouraged them to expand further. One user inquired whether the service would be available in areas like Kengeri and Kumbalagodu, to which Nagara Metered Auto responded that the taxis would operate across the entire city.

They assured commuters that once the app is launched, they would be able to book rides from anywhere. Until then, passengers can hail Nagara-branded taxis or autos directly on the street and enjoy metered fares without surge pricing.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anagha Deshpande
Anagha Deshpande is Deputy Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times. She is currently part of the news team. Before moving into this role, she worked with the Bengaluru desk, where she extensively covered civic issues, Karnataka politics, infrastructure, and urban governance. Over the past seven years, Anagha has worked across multiple facets of digital journalism, including reporting, editing, and video production. She briefly stepped away from journalism, only to realize that the newsroom is where she has the most fun. Her interests lie in tracking national and state politics, particularly South Indian politics, as well as social issues and public policy. She has previously worked with Deccan Herald, Mid-day, The Federal, and ThePrint, and has lived and worked in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. When she isn't chasing stories, Anagha enjoys long aimless walks, reading, hiking, discovering new teas, and, by her own admission, overthinking almost everything.Read More

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