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Time of India
04-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
App-based cab fares set to soar after drivers' protests
While speaking with Mirror, a source requesting anonymity, confirmed that the prices of Ola and Uber are set to increase, with the base fare per kilometre now capped at ₹20. This move comes in the wake of high-voltage protests by thousands of drivers demanding better earnings and fare rationalisation. A sources from the Transport Department confirmed that the private cab aggregators have come to the terms of price hike and soon a new rates will be declared. The decision follows weeks of widespread disruption to commuter services, as drivers staged indefinite strikes and rallies, particularly affecting key transit hubs such as airports and railway stations. The protests, spearheaded by various driver unions including the Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch, highlighted grievances over unsustainably low earnings, high commission charges by aggregators, and the lack of a robust regulatory framework by the app-based cab services. While the exact implementation date and further details of the revised fare structure are awaited, sources indicate that the revised fare structure for app-based cabs will be rolled out this week by the Maharashtra transport officials. Following this, the base fare in Mumbai is anticipated to rise from the current ₹10/km to ₹20/km, marking a 50% increase. Just two days ago, the Nagpur Regional Transport Office (RTO) announced a significant increase in AC cab fares, raising them to ₹28.80 per kilometre. This marks the first revision in AC cab rates in Nagpur in 12 years. The Pune Regional Transport Office has capped the AC cab fares at ₹25 per kilometre. However, protests are demanding that the Regional Transport Office (RTO) enforce approved rates for AC cabs. While speaking with Mirror, Maharashtra Gig Kamgar President Keshav Kshirsagar stated that drivers are currently being offered a meagre ₹9-₹10 per kilometre by aggregators, a rate they deem unsustainable given their long working hours. The drivers are pushing for the RTO-approved base fare of ₹32 per kilometre for AC cabs to be implemented, arguing that the current rates make it impossible to earn a living wage. Additionally, Kshirsagar stated, "Rates derived by the Khatua Samiti formula established in 2017 are the only accurate formula that uses all the scientific parameters to decide fares of city rickshaw taxi and cabs. Anything less than that would lead to exploitation of drivers, and more than that would be exploitation of passengers." A widespread strike by drivers for app-based cab aggregators like Ola and Uber has been significantly disrupting daily commutes across Maharashtra since July 15. The protest escalated sharply on July 18 following the tragic death of driver Saroj Saxena, who died by suicide at his Nallasopara home. Saxena, who lived with his wife, Latika (44), daughter, Shivani (18), and son, Suryansh (15), was a resident of Nallasopara. His death galvanised thousands of drivers, who converged at Mumbai's Azad Maidan on July 18. They subsequently suspended cab services across Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. The striking drivers are primarily demanding fare rationalisation, seeking to align app-based rates with those of traditional black-and-yellow taxis, among other grievances. Despite ongoing discussions with the govt, a resolution is yet to be reached.
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Autorickshaw union plans to launch app to tackle refusal menace in Mumbai
The Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union on Sunday announced its plan to launch an app aimed at combating the refusal menace. The app will assure commuters of a ride and allow autorickshaw bookings while ensuring payment is made only by the RTO-approved meter. Union leader Thampy Kurien, who proposed the idea to the transport department , is set to demonstrate it to officials at Mantralaya this week. "Unlike Ola and Uber, our app will not calculate fares that are low, very high, or dynamic in nature. It will merely book an auto and ensure pickup from your doorstep or wherever you are waiting. After the pickup, the driver will flag down the meter and take you to the destination, collecting the actual fare as per the meter, " Kurien told TOI. The union is also considering introducing a convenience charge, potentially a nominal Rs 5 per trip for app usage. It will seek MMRTA approval for any fare above the RTO-approved meter fare, said Kurien. He explained that the app's necessity arises after a series of refusals by auto drivers. Police statistics indicate there were nearly 4.7 lakh challans in 2024 for refusals by autos and taxis, with auto refusals accounting for over 70%. A senior transport official said they will review the app and, if it proves beneficial to commuters and auto drivers, there should be no issue in granting clearance. Kurien further indicated that he plans to challenge Ola and Uber autorickshaws operations in the city in Bombay high court. These vehicles do not operate by the meter despite drivers possessing state badges and permits, which require that vehicles function "only by the meter". Uber and Ola officials were unavailable for comment. Kurien also plans to petition the transport department to regulate autorickshaw operations outside railway stations. "At present, there are three different groups of autos – one which stands in queue and picks up passengers with no questions asked, the other which picks up while on the go, and a third group of cartel which parks autos at a distance and demands hefty share fares for popular destinations such as Linking Road, beaches, waterfronts, promenades, etc," he said. "We want govt to have a single queue outside all railway stations. If autorickshaws do not want to join this queue, they will have to drop passengers and leave the station precincts immediately. Those in queue should observe discipline and ferry all passengers – short or long distance," he added.
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Autorickshaw union plans to launch app to tackle refusal menace in Mumbai
Mumbai: The Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union on Sunday announced its plan to launch an app aimed at combating the refusal menace. The app will assure commuters of a ride and allow autorickshaw bookings while ensuring payment is made only by the RTO-approved meter. Union leader Thampy Kurien, who proposed the idea to the transport department, is set to demonstrate it to officials at Mantralaya this week. "Unlike Ola and Uber, our app will not calculate fares that are low, very high, or dynamic in nature. It will merely book an auto and ensure pickup from your doorstep or wherever you are waiting. After the pickup, the driver will flag down the meter and take you to the destination, collecting the actual fare as per the meter, " Kurien told TOI. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The union is also considering introducing a convenience charge, potentially a nominal Rs 5 per trip for app usage. It will seek MMRTA approval for any fare above the RTO-approved meter fare, said Kurien. He explained that the app's necessity arises after a series of refusals by auto drivers. Police statistics indicate there were nearly 4.7 lakh challans in 2024 for refusals by autos and taxis, with auto refusals accounting for over 70%. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Interested in Investing? Cyprus Offers Many Options Cyprus Invest | Search ads Undo A senior transport official said they will review the app and, if it proves beneficial to commuters and auto drivers, there should be no issue in granting clearance. Kurien further indicated that he plans to challenge Ola and Uber autorickshaws operations in the city in Bombay high court. These vehicles do not operate by the meter despite drivers possessing state badges and permits, which require that vehicles function "only by the meter". Uber and Ola officials were unavailable for comment. Kurien also plans to petition the transport department to regulate autorickshaw operations outside railway stations. "At present, there are three different groups of autos – one which stands in queue and picks up passengers with no questions asked, the other which picks up while on the go, and a third group of cartel which parks autos at a distance and demands hefty share fares for popular destinations such as Linking Road, beaches, waterfronts, promenades, etc," he said. "We want govt to have a single queue outside all railway stations. If autorickshaws do not want to join this queue, they will have to drop passengers and leave the station precincts immediately. Those in queue should observe discipline and ferry all passengers – short or long distance," he added.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ola, Uber & Rapido told to justify rates; RTA-approved fares to pinch pocket
The transport commissioner 's office on Tuesday directed Ola , Uber and Rapido to submit a written explanation on how they determine fares as Indian Gig Workers' Front continued a pause on the strike of app-based cabs , which was going to be resumed on Wednesday. Additional transport commissioner Bharat Kalaskar said, "We had two meetings on Tuesday with firm officials and union leaders. After discussions, we decided that Ola, Uber, and Rapido should provide us with a written explanation on how they determine the app-based fares for cabs and autorickshaws in various cities, and how much they differ from the RTO-approved rates." The demand for high fares has been the reason for agitation by hundreds of drivers across the state. Kalaskar said he has asked the aggregator company if any drivers' IDs have been blocked lately for charging at RTA-approved rates, those IDs should be reactivated. In Pune, the RTA approved fares stand at Rs. 75 for the first 3km and then Rs 25 for every subsequent km. If RTA-approved fare system, as assured by the state transport department, comes into effect, a 10km cab ride for people would cost at least Rs 249.50. At present, the average cab fare (non-surge) for the same distance is around Rs 175 for a basic Uber ride (Uber Go). Commuters blamed the Pune RTO for letting the issue escalate. "They should have acted when this whole issue started. But they hid under the garb that commuters would be affected if they took action. Aren't we facing the problems now?" Kalpana Seth, a bank employee from Kondhwa, said. Maharashtra Kamgar Sena president Keshav Kshirsagar said: "The (state transport department) officials have assured us Ola, Uber and Rapido will give a written assurance to the department on Wednesday on introducing RTA-based fares on their platforms. In the application they will also mention the date from which the RTA-approved fares will get reflected." Prashant Sawardekar, president of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transporters , said, "The transport officials informed us on Tuesday that govt will soon come out with a new policy, which will define the fares for app-based cabs. But we are against this state policy, as Centre has issued guidelines that are completely different. The central guidelines for aggregators mention that the surge price for cabs can go up to 50% of the base fare (which is up to Rs 48 per km). This is not part of the state draft policy." Sushmita Ghosh took to X on Tuesday and posted, "...New airport has all possible inconveniences. The drivers are accepting rides from tired and frustrated travellers, but upon arrival cancelling the trip and telling the passengers to pay Rs 300-400 more." Aneesha Acharya replied to the post and posted, "Today, I booked an Uber ride to go to a hospital in Pimpri from the camp area. Fare on app was Rs 295. On arrival the driver insisted that I pay Rs 700 for 20km. I called Uber support and was shocked to hear 'you have to pay by meter, rates not yet fixed'."
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ola, Uber & Rapido told to justify rates; RTA-approved fares to pinch pocket
Mumbai/Pune: The transport commissioner's office on Tuesday directed Ola , Uber and Rapido to submit a written explanation on how they determine fares as Indian Gig Workers' Front continued a pause on the strike of app-based cabs, which was going to be resumed on Wednesday. Additional transport commissioner Bharat Kalaskar said, "We had two meetings on Tuesday with firm officials and union leaders. After discussions, we decided that Ola, Uber, and Rapido should provide us with a written explanation on how they determine the app-based fares for cabs and autorickshaws in various cities, and how much they differ from the RTO-approved rates." The demand for high fares has been the reason for agitation by hundreds of drivers across the state. Kalaskar said he has asked the aggregator company if any drivers' IDs have been blocked lately for charging at RTA-approved rates, those IDs should be reactivated. In Pune, the RTA approved fares stand at Rs. 75 for the first 3km and then Rs 25 for every subsequent km. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune If RTA-approved fare system, as assured by the state transport department, comes into effect, a 10km cab ride for people would cost at least Rs 249.50. At present, the average cab fare (non-surge) for the same distance is around Rs 175 for a basic Uber ride (Uber Go). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Desert Order Undo Commuters blamed the Pune RTO for letting the issue escalate. "They should have acted when this whole issue started. But they hid under the garb that commuters would be affected if they took action. Aren't we facing the problems now?" Kalpana Seth, a bank employee from Kondhwa, said. Maharashtra Kamgar Sena president Keshav Kshirsagar said: "The (state transport department) officials have assured us Ola, Uber and Rapido will give a written assurance to the department on Wednesday on introducing RTA-based fares on their platforms. In the application they will also mention the date from which the RTA-approved fares will get reflected." Prashant Sawardekar, president of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transporters, said, "The transport officials informed us on Tuesday that govt will soon come out with a new policy, which will define the fares for app-based cabs. But we are against this state policy, as Centre has issued guidelines that are completely different. The central guidelines for aggregators mention that the surge price for cabs can go up to 50% of the base fare (which is up to Rs 48 per km). This is not part of the state draft policy." Sushmita Ghosh took to X on Tuesday and posted, "...New airport has all possible inconveniences. The drivers are accepting rides from tired and frustrated travellers, but upon arrival cancelling the trip and telling the passengers to pay Rs 300-400 more." Aneesha Acharya replied to the post and posted, "Today, I booked an Uber ride to go to a hospital in Pimpri from the camp area. Fare on app was Rs 295. On arrival the driver insisted that I pay Rs 700 for 20km. I called Uber support and was shocked to hear 'you have to pay by meter, rates not yet fixed'."
