4 days ago
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.
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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).
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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.
