Pune: Cab, Auto Drivers’ Strike on Feb 7 Over Ola–Uber Fare Policies and Bike Taxis

Pune, 5th February 2026: Cab and auto-rickshaw drivers across India have announced a nationwide one-day strike on February 7 to protest what they call unfair policies by app-based aggregators and the unchecked growth of illegal bike taxi services. Driver unions say the agitation is aimed at pushing the government to address long-standing issues affecting their safety and livelihood.

For months, driver groups have been submitting complaints and staging demonstrations, alleging that companies like Ola, Uber and Rapido are not following government-approved fare structures and operational guidelines. Despite repeated instructions from the Transport Department, unions claim enforcement on the ground remains weak.

“Drivers are being forced to work under arbitrary fare systems while illegal services continue to operate openly. This is not just about income, it is about safety and dignity,” said Dr. Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, President of the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha and the Indian Gig Workers Forum.

One of the major demands is a crackdown on bike taxi services that are not legally permitted in several states, including Maharashtra. According to the unions, these services have already been linked to serious accidents in metro cities such as Mumbai. “When a bike taxi rider meets with an accident, there is no insurance protection because the service itself is illegal. Families are left helpless,” Kshirsagar said.

Drivers have also raised concerns over what they describe as financial pressure in the name of panic button compliance. While the central government has approved 140 panic button device vendors, the state government has reportedly declared a large number of them unauthorised. This has forced many drivers to uninstall existing devices and spend nearly ₹12,000 again for new ones. “This is exploitation in the name of safety,” a union leader alleged.

Another key issue is the state’s open auto-rickshaw permit policy, which has led to a sharp rise in the number of vehicles on city roads. Unions say this has reduced earnings per driver and added to traffic congestion. “There are too many permits and too little regulation. Everyone is suffering – drivers and commuters,” Kshirsagar added.

The February 7 strike, unions said, is meant to demand strict enforcement of transport rules, safer roads, and fair treatment for gig and traditional transport workers. They have warned that if their concerns continue to be ignored, larger protests may follow in the coming weeks.