Auto driver tells techie to pay less than meter after learning about his stipend, says “Bhaiya, aap 400 hi kardo”

Imagine an auto-rickshaw driver asking you to pay less than the meter fare. Unlikely as it sounds, that is exactly what happened to a techie during his daily commute. After learning about the man’s internship stipend, the driver insisted he pay less, saying his earnings were too low.

The incident was shared on X by a user named Ojas Sharma, who described the interaction as both “funny and crazy”. The post has garnered 17.1k views till date.

“What happened with me yesterday was actually both funny and crazy. I came home from the office by auto. The auto driver was around the same age as me, and he asked whether I travel this much every day and all. After talking for a bit, he said, “You’re in IT, so you must be earning a lot.” I told him about my internship stipend, and his reaction was, “Bas itna kam? (Damn, this less?)” He then told me that he earns around ₹1-2k daily by driving an auto.”


Sharma added that the conversation took an unexpected turn at the end of the ride.

“When I reached home, the meter showed ₹443. I asked for the QR code, and he said, “Bhaiya, aap 400 hi kardo” (Just pay ₹400). This is the first time an auto driver has ever asked for less than what the meter showed. Even though I paid him ₹443, somewhere I felt that good people still exist.”

Netizens reaction to the incident

Amid the praise, a few users also responded with humour and scepticism. One user wrote, “You travel in an Auto to office? Then pay using your stipend money then you pay for Blue tick too ?” Another added, “Good you didn't tell him you still have X verified account with low stipend...he wouldn't have been so kind then...agar X afford kar sakte ho toh auto ride full fare bhi kar sakte ho.”

Some users also shared contrasting experiences. One comment read, “And just 15 minutes earlier I paid Rs 50 to a Rapido driver while the fare was 45 but I didn't had change but still he was saying that ‘bhaiya kuch extra de dijiye’...then I said ‘bhaiya mai 5rs extra hi de rha hu’.”

Others continued to join the discussion with mixed reactions, with some appreciating the gesture while others highlighted how everyday commute experiences can vary widely depending on the driver and situation.

One user reflected on how such stories rarely get the same attention as negative news, writing, “good never sell, that's why we seldom see it around us. We are always shown negative stuff to keep us on the edge and agitated.”

Another person commented, “Relatable some auto drivers are very generous people. They are poor but rich by heart,” while someone else added, “The auto driver showed kindness, I feel blessed.”

Others echoed similar sentiments about the generosity often shown by drivers. One comment read, “Relatable, some auto drivers are very generous people. They may be financially poor, but they are rich at heart,” while another said, “So relatable, some auto drivers are kinder than most people we meet.”