Pune Set for Bharat Taxi Launch by May, RTO Confirms
The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has officially announced that the government-monitored cooperative cab service, Bharat Taxi, will be launched in the city by May this year. This move aims to provide a regulated alternative to existing private aggregators and address ongoing issues with fare transparency and driver earnings.
Key Benefits for Cab Drivers Outlined
A senior Pune RTO official detailed the advantages of the new service for drivers. "The new service has several perks for drivers, including a guaranteed minimum base rate per kilometer and an assurance to return 80% of the profit. This will surely help cab drivers and elbow out the tendency to hook on to illegal means to earn money," the official stated. Notably, any cabbie currently using apps like Uber, Ola, or Rapido can simultaneously operate with Bharat Taxi, offering flexibility without exclusivity requirements.
Background and Current Status of Bharat Taxi
Launched earlier this year by the Centre, Bharat Taxi is a government-supervised cooperative cab service designed to ensure fair practices in the ride-hailing industry. It is presently operational in Delhi and Gujarat, with Pune being the next major city slated for rollout. Pune deputy RTO Swapnil Bhosle revealed that they have formally written to the commissioner's office to expedite the introduction of Bharat Taxi in Pune.
RTO's Stance on Aggregator Policy Implementation
Bhosle explained the regulatory challenges, stating, "We have been in talks with other aggregators constantly on adjusting their applications as per government-approved rates, but it has not happened yet. We have asked them to give us the same in writing and implement it." He added that Bharat Taxi will be launched as an interim solution, and if necessary, the RTO will engage with cab drivers and associations to facilitate the transition.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Indian Gig Workers Front, expressed cautious optimism. "We will study the application and see if it actually helps cab drivers before asking them to be a part of it. The state government should let us know what exactly happened to the aggregator policy and why it hasn't been implemented until now," he remarked.
Commuters, however, remain skeptical. Sales professional Prateek Sinha voiced concerns, "The RTO has been unable to curtail the 'onlymeter' platform, and control fleecing and violent behaviour of cab drivers. What is the guarantee that Bharat Taxi will be a game changer?" This skepticism stems from widespread issues where cabbies pressure passengers to pay via the illegal "onlymeter.in" application instead of the fares shown on aggregator apps, due to the delayed implementation of the state's cab aggregator policy.
Aggregators' Shift to SaaS Model and Commuter Discontent
Many aggregators have adopted a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, where they only provide estimated fares, leaving the actual fare to be negotiated between drivers and commuters. This has led to significant discontent and anger among passengers, exacerbating trust issues in the ride-hailing ecosystem.
RTO's Complaint Mechanism and Future Outlook
An RTO official highlighted existing grievance redressal measures, noting, "If someone feels that s/he is being fleeced, the individual just needs to register a complaint. We have taken action against autorickshaw drivers and cabbies based on complaints filed by commuters on the WhatsApp number (8275330101)." The official expressed confidence that Bharat Taxi will help address these persistent issues by offering a more transparent and regulated platform.
The launch of Bharat Taxi in Pune represents a significant step towards reforming the city's cab services, with potential implications for driver welfare and commuter satisfaction across Maharashtra.
