Confusion Over Fare Policies and Permit Distribution Adds to Woes of Pune’s Autorickshaw Drivers
Reported by Vikrant Sonawane
Pune, 30 May 2025: In the wake of policy changes by ride-hailing platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido, Pune’s autorickshaw drivers are facing growing uncertainty over fare systems and permit regulations, triggering protests and concerns from unions.
Autorickshaws, which remain a vital mode of transport for daily commuters, have seen major disruptions over recent months. According to Salim Sheikh of the Dhankawadi Rickshaw Union, fluctuating fare structures—especially on Uber—initially offered rides at rates lower than government-mandated meter fares, causing financial losses to local drivers. This led to confusion when drivers began demanding meter rates despite app bookings, resulting in frequent disputes between passengers and rickshaw drivers.
“Uber has now aligned its fare structure with the meter rate,” said Sheikh. “Additionally, a new policy introduces cancellation fines: ₹50 if a passenger cancels a ride after five minutes, and ₹100 if the driver does. Cancellations within five minutes incur no fine.”
Ola and Rapido have also adopted fare structures similar to traditional meter rates, making app-based bookings more reliable for passengers and sustainable for drivers. Sheikh added that the availability of doorstep rickshaw services has helped drivers earn ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 per day.
Growing Permits, Shrinking Profits
However, another pressing issue is the unregulated distribution of rickshaw permits. “Earlier we used to get full loaves of bread; now we’re just getting slices,” Sheikh said metaphorically, blaming the easy availability of permits—priced at only ₹10,000—for flooding the streets with autorickshaws and reducing drivers’ earnings.
He alleges that even well-employed individuals, including government and private sector workers, are acquiring rickshaw permits as a secondary income source, further saturating the market. In response to ongoing protests, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has initiated action against illegal permits and temporarily halted new permit distribution.
RTO officials are now identifying government employees and other ineligible individuals holding rickshaw permits and asking them to surrender them. But questions remain over enforcement: How will the RTO ensure compliance? And what happens to the vehicles once permits are returned?
Disagreement on Fine Policy
Contrary to Sheikh’s claims, Nikhil Gaikwad from the Manjri Rickshaw Union stated there is no clear fine policy implemented by Ola and Uber for ride cancellations. However, he confirmed that Uber’s fare rates have now been updated to align with Ola, Rapido, and meter-based charges.
Gaikwad also raised concerns that, despite official statements, new permits are still being issued, causing further mistrust among rickshaw drivers.
A Sector in Crisis
The current uncertainty over ride fares, permit policies, and regulatory enforcement has left both drivers and passengers confused. Unions are demanding stricter controls over permit distribution and better transparency from ride-hailing platforms to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation.
As the transport sector adapts to digital disruption and increasing demand, Pune’s rickshaw drivers find themselves at the crossroads—struggling to balance technology-driven convenience with traditional livelihoods.
