Bengaluru: After the ban on bike taxis came into effect in Bengaluru, many commuters say getting an auto is now more frustrating than ever. Despite tipping above the base fare, commuters complain that autos are either unavailable or drivers cancel frequently. The situation has sparked a fresh wave of complaints, especially during peak hours, raising questions about the city’s preparedness to handle everyday transport needs without alternatives like bike taxis.Renuka Iyer, a resident of BTM Layout, said: “Even after adding a Rs 60 or Rs 70 tip on the app, I still struggle to get an auto during peak hours. Either no one accepts the ride, or the driver calls to ask for more and cancels if I say no. It’s exhausting. I now leave home 30 minutes earlier just to deal with this uncertainty.”Raghuram Sai from Ulsoor echoed a similar frustration: “Looking for an auto has become very frustrating. Even with a Rs 40 tip, the app keeps searching, or the driver cancels. Sometimes they call asking for cash or refuse to go to the destination. It’s not even about the fare any more—it’s about access. I missed meetings and was late to college because I couldn’t get a ride. There’s no accountability.”Srisha Sundar, who lives in Bellandur and doesn’t own a vehicle, said the situation made her daily commute unpredictable. “Now booking an auto through an app feels like a gamble. You offer tips, you wait, and still don’t get a ride. In areas like Koramangala or Indiranagar during evenings, it’s even worse. Autos are around, but they won’t accept app bookings. I end up walking or booking a cab, which costs more. It’s just becoming harder to get around.“Netizens react:On social media, users have been vocal about the daily challenges of using auto apps.Dwiga posted: “Bengaluru auto booking apps, I am very sorry to say but the tipping feature has to be the worst. It’s like bribing the drivers to accept your request. And honestly, tipping has to be done on good experience, not just to achieve the experience.”Sameer Shisodia wrote: “Not even 8am, and Bengaluru is choked already. Thanks to the bike taxi ban, I took an auto. Give me walkable shortest paths to the bus stops, and bike lanes, please. This is no way to create cities.”Sai, another netizen, posted: “Tired of paying double charges and hidden costs to autorickshaw. Let bike taxi come back asap. At least half my money will be safe.”