Break-Even Point for Auto Rickshaw Drivers: How Many Trips to Earn More?
Driving an auto rickshaw in Bengaluru is more than just taking passengers from point A to point B—it’s about balancing time, costs, and earnings. Many drivers work long hours, but don’t always calculate their break-even point—the stage where their daily costs are covered and they start making profit.
Let’s take a real-life example:
Route: Kadugodi (Whitefield) Metro Station → Kannamangala
Distance: ~6 km
Time per trip: ~20 minutes
Rapido fare range for users: ₹109–₹120
Understanding Costs
Every driver faces two types of costs:
- Fixed costs
- Daily rental (if the auto is leased)
- Road tax, insurance, permit fees (spread over longer periods)
- Variable costs
- Fuel (petrol, diesel, or CNG)
- Daily maintenance (tyres, servicing, oil)
👉 On average, drivers in Bengaluru spend around ₹900 per day (fuel + rental) before they can even think about profit.
How Many Trips in a Day?
- One to-and-fro trip (Metro ↔ Kannamangala) = ~40 minutes
- In an 8-hour workday (480 minutes) → around 10–12 trips possible
This gives us a realistic estimate of earnings.
Earnings vs. Break-Even
- Fare per trip: ₹109–₹120 (let’s take average = ₹115)
| Trips per Day | Earnings (₹) | Costs (₹) | Profit (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 trips | 575 | 900 | –325 |
| 8 trips | 920 | 900 | +20 |
| 10 trips | 1,150 | 900 | +250 |
| 12 trips | 1,380 | 900 | +480 |
👉 Break-even happens at around 8 trips. Anything beyond that adds to the driver’s actual income.
How Drivers Can Earn More
- Peak Hour Focus
- Drive more during office timings (7–11 am, 5–9 pm) when demand is high.
- Less waiting, more trips.
- Avoid Empty Returns
- Pick up passengers both ways (Metro → Kannamangala and return).
- Reduces wasted time and fuel.
- Metro Advantage
- Kadugodi Metro is always buzzing with commuters.
- Station yourself strategically near exits.
- Ride-Sharing (If Allowed)
- Carry 2–3 passengers headed the same way to maximize per trip income.
- Digital Payments & Apps
- Accept UPI, join Rapido/Ola/Uber platforms.
- Ensures steady bookings and convenience for riders.
- Smart Driving = Fuel Savings
- Maintain proper tyre pressure.
- Drive steadily to save 10–15% fuel.
Final Thought
For many auto drivers, the first 7–8 trips of the day only cover costs. The real money is made in the last 2–4 trips.
By working smarter—focusing on peak hours, reducing idle runs, and controlling costs—auto drivers can ensure their 8-hour workday brings them not just survival money, but real profit.
