Pune: Rickshaw Drivers to Protest at Azad Maidan Against E-Bike Taxis, Lack of Fare Transparency in Apps
Pune, 14 July 2025: The Baghtoy Rickshawala organization has announced a major protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Tuesday, July 15, raising concerns over the Maharashtra government’s recent approval of e-bike taxi services and the lack of fare transparency on app-based ride platforms.
According to Dr. Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the organization, around 2,000 rickshaw and taxi drivers from across the state will participate in the protest, arriving in 500 cabs. The agitation is scheduled to begin at 11 am.
Key Demands of the Protest
The protesting drivers fear that the introduction of e-bike taxis will adversely affect their earnings. They have demanded that the state government revoke the permission granted to e-bike taxi services, citing it as a direct threat to the livelihood of traditional rickshaw drivers.
Another major issue raised by the organization is the non-transparent fare system followed by many app-based taxi and rickshaw aggregators. Despite the implementation of metered fare regulations for autos and taxis, these platforms often do not display the fare breakdown clearly on their apps, leading to disputes between passengers and drivers.
“We have made multiple representations to these companies, urging them to ensure transparency in fare display. Since no action was taken, we are now demanding that the Transport Department intervene and take strict action against these companies,” said Dr. Kshirsagar.
