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Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Cool Cabs fare not applied to Ola and Uber as Maharashtra govt rejects Khatua panel recommendation
Mumbai: "Ola and Uber cannot be compared with Cool Cabs as the latter is a metered taxi while the former two are privately run vehicles. So the question of increasing fares at par with Cool Cabs does not arise," said a senior official from the transport commissioner's office, where a crucial meeting was held between transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar and the union leaders. The official further said that there was no mechanism to determine fares for Ola and Uber at present, and the Khatua panel on fare fixation suggested in the past a fare mechanism for aggregator cabs, which was not accepted by the govt. The Khatua panel formula is used to determine fare hikes of auto rickshaws, Kaali Peeli taxis, and Cool Cabs across MMR. The meeting ended in a stalemate, with the drivers now deciding to take a morcha to the commissioner's office soon for a 'show of strength' and protest against the govt. The union has also decided to move the Bombay High Court on Friday against the restraint order passed in favour of Uber. The court restrained protesting unions and their members from stopping or blocking Uber cabs and assaulting or threatening its drivers and passengers. "We will seek a stay on this order and, at the same time, all drivers will boycott the Uber app platform from Friday," Maharashtra Kamgar Sena President Keshav Kshirsagar told the media. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Free Activities for Kids This July Yayasan Mendaki Learn More Undo The drivers are demanding fares for aggregator cabs be at par with Cool Cab fares of a minimum of Rs 32 per km. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai A senior transport official said that only the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) can take decisions on Ola and Uber cabs, and not the transport commissioner's office. "Efforts are on to bring a new Aggregator cab policy in the state -- which will bring Ola, Uber, and also Rapido in the ambit of the state govt. In that case, we will be able to determine fares. At present, these aggregator companies can decide their own fares as they do not have metered taxis and operate on All India tourist permits only," the official said.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ola, Uber drivers resume services in Mumbai but union asks riders to pay govt-approved fare
Mumbai: Drivers of app-based cab services Ola and Uber , who were on an indefinite strike since July 14, temporarily resumed operations on Saturday after the state govt assured them of a meeting on their long-standing demands. However, even as the apps went live, confusion loomed large with the drivers' union asking commuters to ignore the app fare and instead pay as per the fare chart notified for Cool Cabs. The union clarified that the fare shown on the app would not be applicable during this interim period. Passengers are expected to verify the correct fare through or by scanning a QR code placed inside the cab, and then pay the driver in cash. The dual fare system has sparked fears of chaos and mistrust among users, especially those unfamiliar with govt-approved tariff charts. "All fares must be paid in cash, and passengers should follow the notified Cool Cab fare chart, not what's shown on the app," said Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, chairman of the Maharashtra Gig Workers' Union. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai As per the fare chart for Cool Cab, the minimum fare is Rs 48, and for subsequent kilometres, it is Rs 32.05 (rounded off to the nearest rupee). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Commuters are already anticipating trouble. "If two different fares are being shown—one on the app and another by the driver—people are going to get confused. Not everyone will take the trouble of verifying it on a separate site," said Priya Deshmukh, a Dadar-Powai commuter. Others fear arguments may become common. "There's bound to be chaos. Some commuters will insist on paying the app fare while drivers will demand more. This isn't going to end well," said Anjali Nair, a marketing executive from Malad. The drivers' agitation was sparked by multiple demands—fare parity with kaali-peelis, withdrawal of a govt complaint helpline, a ban on aggregator autos and bike taxis, and implementation of the aggregator policy. Union members say their earnings offered by aggregator firms are not sustainable. Though the apps are active again, delays and limited availability continue to affect passengers, with wait times stretching to 10–12 minutes in some areas. Commuters fear more trouble lies ahead. "People trust the app fares because it's visible and fixed. Now that they're being told to ignore it, confusion is inevitable," said Ashwin Patil, a daily commuter from Ghatkopar. "The QR code is a good idea, but most people won't know how or when to use it. If this continues beyond Tuesday, it'll become a huge hassle," said Rohan Malhotra, who travels from Churchgate to BKC. Transport officials said a meeting with aggregator firms and union leaders is likely early next week to resolve the matter. Until then, passengers are advised to carry cash, double-check fares, and brace for inconsistencies.
