A Lifetime Behind the Wheel

My name is C.S. Kumar, and I have been an auto driver for 42 years. I was born and brought up here in Srirampura, but I currently live in Hesaraghatta, about 40 kilometers from here. I have been staying there for the past 20 years.

When Bangalore Was Different

Back then, it was a delight to drive autos in Bangalore. For every kilometer, we used to earn at least 45-80 paise, which was enough to keep us going at that time. Now, the value of money has declined, and earning 30 rupees for one ride seems like a joke. Business was good before they turned all the roads into one-ways and made it harder for us to navigate. The atmosphere was better then. Sometimes Bangalore—not just Malleshwaram—feels like a completely different place because of how much it has changed. Back then, because there were fewer cars and people relied on public transport, we used to get many more customers.

Apps Over Meters: The New Reality

Now, with technology, apps for auto rides have emerged. This has increased business compared to operating just by the meter. The meter has become useless today—customers usually book through the apps themselves. If we want to earn money, we need to be on the apps. The issue is that they keep increasing rates, especially during peak hours, and they don't give us the commission they claim to. Instead, we have to pay a certain sum every day. By afternoon, sometimes I make only 280 rupees. That's not enough money to survive on.

The Mirror of Respect

Customers are generally nice; in that way, there has not been much change since I started this job. I don't have much to say about them because I see new faces every day—they come and go. As for giving me respect, they behave the same way I behave with them. If they address me as "sir" and talk to me kindly, I show them the same attitude.

Navigating Old and New Bangalore

I travel everywhere in Bangalore. I know old Bangalore especially well—I can drive there with my eyes closed, I don't need maps. I am not familiar with the newer areas; it has expanded so much. The Bangalore I am familiar with consists of Jayanagar, Malleshwaram, Basavanagudi, and other similar, older areas.

A Matter of Necessity

I have had to do this work for the past so many years. I haven't thought about whether I enjoy it or not—it has become a part of my daily life out of necessity, and nothing can be done about it. I need the money, and it helps me earn.