Cab Drivers’ Postpone Protest in Pune as RTO Issues Notice to Uber and Ola

Pune, 20th February 2024: Cab drivers in Pune have decided to defer their planned protest against Uber and Ola, scheduled for February 20, as the Regional Transport Office (RTO) issued a seven-day show-cause notice to both aggregator companies. The protest stemmed from the non-implementation of the revised taxi fare by Uber and Ola, approved by Pune RTO in January.

Pune’s cab drivers had raised their concerns at the Transport Commissioner Office, prompting the issuance of a show-cause notice by Pune RTO, effective from February 17. The notice reflects the five demands of the drivers, submitted to the Transport Commissioner and RTO in Mumbai.

The RTO has instructed the companies to submit a written statement within seven days, warning of necessary action under the Motor Vehicle Act and the Central Aggregator Guidelines 2020 if they fail to comply.

Drivers are urging transport authorities to either adopt the Khatua Committee’s fare hike recommendations or fully enforce the central policy covering all aspects. However, the absence of the state’s aggregator policy adds uncertainty to the situation in Pune, allowing Pune RTO to exercise discretion in implementing both the central policy and Khatua Committee’s recommendations.

Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar highlighted the unclear nature of aggregator policies in Pune due to the lack of the state’s policy. An RTO official stated that, in the absence of a state policy, the state must follow the central policy, which is deemed optimal for public fares due to its dynamic algorithms for price maintenance.

While the drivers express interest in adhering to the Khatua Committee’s guidelines, they express concern about the authorities’ lack of clarity on directives. Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Indian Gig Workers Front (IGF), questioned the selective implementation of the central policy, urging adherence to all outlined provisions, including health insurance and social securities.

Drivers claim that companies continue to charge the previous fare structure, which they argue is not beneficial. The situation is expected to be addressed following a meeting with the District Collector on February 21, where a decision may be reached. Meanwhile, the companies have been given seven days to provide a written clarification.