Pune, India – Routine disputes between cab drivers and passengers over fare policies have become a persistent issue in Pune, stemming from a lack of clarity and consistent implementation of app-based pricing versus government-regulated rates. These clashes have led to several instances of passengers assaulting drivers and a general sense of unease among commuters and service providers alike.
The core of the problem lies in the discrepancy between the fares displayed on ride-hailing applications and the rates set by the Pune Regional Transport Authority (RTA). According to the RTA’s decided rates for 2024 onwards, the initial 1.5 kilometers for a cab journey are priced at ₹37, with each subsequent kilometer costing ₹25. Similarly, for auto-rickshaws, the first 1.5 kilometers are set at ₹26, and subsequent kilometers at ₹17.14. Despite directives from the Pune RTO to platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido to ensure their apps reflect these official fares, many drivers and passengers remain unaware or unconvinced of the correct pricing.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that a recent incident on April 5th saw a 30-year-old cab driver being assaulted by a group of passengers in Pune’s Loni Kalbhor area. The altercation arose when the driver demanded a fare based on the RTA-fixed rate of ₹25 per kilometer. The passengers, however, insisted on paying the fare shown on the app, which was reportedly lower, leading to the physical assault.
This situation is exacerbated by the fact that many commuters are unaware of the official fare policy. Interviews with eight cab and auto drivers in Pune revealed that fare disputes are a daily occurrence, with frequent arguments over meter-based charges. Drivers report that passengers often question the meter rates, leading to heated exchanges, and some even refuse to cancel rides when informed about the official pricing.
The Maharashtra government’s Aggregator Policy, released in May 2025, mandates that ride-hailing platforms align their fares with those fixed by the RTAs. However, the terms and conditions of companies like Rapido and Uber often state that the fare displayed on the app is merely indicative and serves as a guideline, with the final fare subject to mutual agreement between the driver and passenger. This ambiguity provides fertile ground for disputes.
Drivers have expressed frustration over the consistent arguments. Lalit Kumar, a driver, stated that many customers engage in heated arguments over meter-based rates and some even refuse to cancel rides when informed of the official fare structure. Another driver, Nathuram, noted that disputes are almost a daily affair, initiating the moment meter fares are mentioned.
Adding to the complexity, it has been reported that some drivers continue to use unofficial websites to calculate fares, further deviating from the RTA-approved rates. This practice bypasses the transparency intended by the aggregator policy and fuels passenger distrust. While the Pune RTO has reiterated its instructions to cab aggregators to display RTA-approved fares on their apps, compliance appears to be inconsistent, leading to a continuation of fare-related conflicts.
The Indian Gig Workers Front, represented by Keshav Kshirsagar, has been vocal in highlighting these issues. Kshirsagar emphasized that the ₹25 per kilometer fare has been approved by the RTA, and government officials have instructed aggregator companies to display these rates. He criticized companies for continuing business without adhering to these instructions, resulting in fare discrepancies between app displays and actual charges. Kshirsagar urged district collectors to intervene and direct aggregator companies to show government-approved fares, rather than suggested or estimated ones.
The lack of awareness extends to commuters, with investigations revealing that most passengers are unaware of the current fare policy. This knowledge gap leaves them vulnerable to disputes when faced with rates that differ from app estimates. The situation underscores a broader challenge in the transportation sector, where effective communication and strict adherence to regulatory guidelines are crucial for maintaining a harmonious relationship between service providers and consumers.
The Chenab Times News Desk