Pune RTO Intensifies Crackdown on Cab Fare Violations
The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has taken decisive action against cab drivers overcharging passengers, issuing penalties to 15 cabbies on Thursday. This enforcement drive aims to standardize cab operations across the city by ensuring compliance with the Regional Transport Authority (RTA)-approved fare structure.
RTA-Approved Fare Structure Mandated
Deputy Regional Transport Officer Swapnil Bhosle emphasized that all ride-hailing aggregators must adhere to the official fare rates: Rs 37 for the first 1.5 kilometers and Rs 25 for every subsequent kilometer. Bhosle stated, "Ola and Rapido have agreed to follow the RTA's fare structure. Uber has not come on board yet, and talks are ongoing. Appropriate action will be taken if it doesn't comply."
Additionally, companies are required to follow the central guideline ensuring drivers receive at least 80% of the fare. This move is part of a sustained enforcement campaign to restore regulated cab fares in Pune.
Sustained Enforcement Drive Across City
Bhosle outlined the RTO's strategy: "Cabs will be stopped, commuters will be asked about fares, and action will be taken. The same thing was done on Thursday. After discussions with commuters, officers learned that cabbies had asked for random fares. Each day, different localities or roads will be identified for the drive."
Despite these efforts, some commuters report ongoing issues. Atul Keshav from Handewadi noted, "Most cabbies are demanding Rs 25–30 per km. They are opting for the app fare only when it is higher. Just taking action against a handful of cabbies won't solve the problem."
Commuters Call for Stronger Measures
Wakad-based professional Sunil Prasad suggested involving police in the enforcement drive to achieve better results. "The RTO should involve police in the drive against cabbies. Otherwise, the desired goal won't be achieved," he said.
Controversial Fare Platform Shut Down
Deputy RTO Bhosle reiterated that the controversial fare determination platform "onlymeter.in"—launched last year by the Indian Gig Workers' Front—will not be allowed to operate again. The platform, which allowed cab drivers to calculate fares independently, violated aggregator app rates.
RTO officials hinted that the platform was shut down due to pressure from authorities after cab fare disputes escalated into violence. The front's president, Keshan Kshirsagar, had announced on March 31 that the platform was being closed for "maintenance and upgrades."
Aggregators' Fare Models Under Scrutiny
Aggregators like Uber and Rapido operate on a software-as-a-service model. They claim that app fares are indicative, with final charges depending on negotiations between drivers and passengers. However, the RTO's enforcement drive seeks to eliminate such discrepancies and ensure transparency for commuters.
This crackdown reflects broader efforts to regulate the ride-hailing industry in Pune, addressing both driver compliance and aggregator accountability to protect passenger interests.
