Ola, Uber, Rapido Cabs in Pune to Follow Govt-Approved Metered Fare from May 1
Pune, 19th April 2025: Starting May 1, cab services operating under Ola, Uber, and Rapido in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and Baramati will charge fares as per the government-approved rates, aligning with the fare structure already applicable to autorickshaws.
The announcement was confirmed by the Indian Gig Workers Front (IGWF), which represents thousands of app-based cab drivers in the region. The move aims to bring transparency and fairness in ride charges and comes after a meeting held on Friday among cab drivers and gig worker representatives.
“The new fare structure will help standardize cab charges and eliminate arbitrary pricing,” said Keshav Kshirsagar, president of IGWF. “As per the state government’s notification, the base fare will be ₹37 for the first 1.5 km and ₹25 for each additional kilometer.”
This means a standard 10-km journey would cost a commuter around ₹249.50. Currently, app-based cab fares for a similar trip, excluding surge pricing, hover around ₹175. However, fares often rise significantly during peak hours.
To support this change, the Indian Gig Workers Front is launching a dedicated website, www.onlymeter.in, which will allow commuters to calculate the accurate fare based on the distance travelled. “Each cab will display a QR code linked to the website,” Kshirsagar explained. “After completing a ride, passengers can visit the site, enter the distance, and instantly view the government-approved fare.”
According to estimates, over 45,000 cabs affiliated with Ola, Uber, and Rapido operate across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The initiative is expected to bring relief to both drivers—who often face pressure from platforms to accept lower fares—and passengers, who frequently report inconsistent pricing.
“We want commuters to pay what is fair—not more, not less,” Kshirsagar added. “This system gives them clarity, and it gives drivers dignity.”
