Student bargains with Bengaluru auto driver using ChatGPT, saves 40% of fare

In a example of artificial intelligence blending into everyday life, a Bengaluru student recently used ChatGPT’s voice assistant to successfully bargain an auto-rickshaw fare in Kannada, reducing the price from ₹200 to ₹120.

Breaking language barriers

Getting around Bengaluru can be tough, especially for those who aren’t fluent in Kannada. Faced with this challenge, student Sajan Mahto decided to use ChatGPT for help. He asked the AI, "Hey ChatGPT, can you help me talk to the auto driver in Kannada? He's asking for ₹200, but I'm a student. Try to bargain it down to ₹100 for me."

ChatGPT quickly generated a response in smooth Kannada: "Anna, this is the route that I travel every day and I am a student. Please come for ₹100." After some back-and-forth, the driver agreed to settle at ₹120, saying, "I said ₹200 at first, then dropped it to ₹150. Since you asked nicely, I cut another ₹30 — ₹120 is the best I can do."

Everyday AI in action

The incident highlights how AI is becoming more useful in real-world, everyday situations particularly in solving language challenges. The interaction was shared widely on social media, earning appreciation for its clever use of technology. One user remarked, "Real use of AI! I appreciate your behaviour." Another pointed out, "AI speaks Kannada so fluently!"

Although a few viewers speculated that the conversation might have been staged, the overall response focused on how AI tools like ChatGPT are making communication more accessible across languages.

What this means for city travelers

For many urban commuters especially students and newcomers language barriers can make simple tasks like negotiating fares stressful. This example shows how AI can step in as a translator and negotiator, making interactions smoother and helping bridge cultural and linguistic gaps.

With AI becoming more sophisticated, its use in daily tasks like transportation negotiations hints at a future where technology helps create a more inclusive and easier urban experience for everyone.