Cab Fares in Pune May Rise Amid Pre-Policy Hike by Indian Gig Workers’ Front
Pune, 23rd September 2025: Commuters in Pune may face higher cab fares starting Tuesday as the Indian Gig Workers’ Front plans to implement a fare hike, even before the state’s official cab aggregator policy is formally rolled out.
The move comes amid ongoing demands from cab drivers for meter-based fares, first raised in May. The organisation said it could no longer wait for the government policy to be finalised.
Direct Implementation Through OnlyMeter.in
Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Indian Gig Workers’ Front, said, “We have decided to implement the changes directly on our website (onlymeter.in), which is already being used by most cab drivers to calculate fares. After discussions with the state transport department, we learned the policy might take another month to be finalised. We simply can’t wait that long.”
The portal, launched in May, has since gained traction among drivers affiliated with aggregators such as Uber, Ola, and Rapido. According to the platform, the revised fares will start at Rs 37 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 25 for each additional kilometre. Uber and Rapido have also shifted to a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, under which the fare displayed on the app serves as a guide, but the final amount is negotiated directly between driver and passenger.
“Starting Tuesday, the revised fares will be reflected on onlymeter.in, and cab drivers across Maharashtra, including Pune, have been instructed to follow the new rates. While not every driver may adhere strictly, our platform has demonstrated strong outreach and influence,” Kshirsagar added.
Transport Officials Call Fare Hike Illegal
However, authorities have cautioned against the move. Additional Transport Commissioner Bharat Kalaskar stated, “Until an official policy is introduced, such fare increases are not permitted. They simply cannot do this.”
Attempts to reach State Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar went unanswered. A senior transport official noted, “If drivers are found indulging in such practices, penalties will be levied.”
Commuters Voice Frustration
Local residents have expressed their frustration over arbitrary fare demands and ride cancellations. Amol Jadhav from Kothrud said, “Cab and autorickshaw drivers are demanding arbitrary fares and even resorting to threats. Authorities promise action, but nothing changes.”
A private firm employee from Viman Nagar added, “Cab drivers cancel rides multiple times daily and quote unreasonable fares. The police and RTO officials say action will be taken, but we see no results. The fare hike is simply unfair.”
The rising fare concerns come as commuters struggle with inconsistent pricing, cancellations, and poor adherence to meter-based charges, highlighting the need for swift implementation of a formal cab aggregator policy in Maharashtra.
