Pune Commuters Battle Auto Rickshaw Meter Tampering and Overcharging

Pune, 2nd January 2025: Rickshaws are preferred by passengers for timely travel, but some drivers are tampering with meters, causing passengers to pay ₹70 to ₹80 for a ₹50 journey. In Pune City, some rickshaws have malfunctioning meters, leading to overcharging. According to regulations, the fare is ₹25 per kilometre, and the meter should not increase while stopped at signals. However, passengers report rapid and unreasonable fare increases in some rickshaws.

When confronted, drivers often evade questions or ignore concerns. Passengers are demanding that the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Pune take strict action against these unscrupulous drivers.

To protect their rights, passengers should:

Monitor the meter throughout the journey.
Compare the distance travelled with the displayed fare.
Request an immediate meter check if discrepancies are noticed.
Take clear photographs of the meter as evidence.
Report incidents to local transport authorities if drivers refuse to cooperate or fares seem unjustified.
Auto union representatives assure action against tampering and harassment, encouraging the use of helplines for prompt response to passenger grievances.

RTO Officer Vishnu Ghode stated, “Strict action against irregularities in auto meters is our priority. Citizens should register complaints and cooperate with the administration. If any irregularities are found in the meter, they should immediately take a photo of it and send it to the given toll-free number or call and inform about it.”

For complaints regarding rickshaw drivers, passengers can call the helpline number 112. For cases of misbehaviour towards women, they should call 1091.