Pune Commuters Complain of Dual Fare System by App-Based Cab Drivers: “Meter” vs App Charges
Pune, 13th May 2025: A growing number of passengers using app-based cab services in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad are voicing frustration over a confusing and seemingly opportunistic dual fare system adopted by drivers. Commuters say drivers often disregard the fare shown on the app and instead insist on charging based on a third-party website — onlymeter.in — leading to disputes and inflated charges.
Aslam Shaikh, a resident of Kondhwa, experienced the issue firsthand after hiring an Uber from Pune airport to his home, a journey of around 15 kilometers. Upon reaching his destination, Shaikh was asked to calculate the fare using onlymeter.in instead of relying on the Uber app.
“The driver told me to check the website and input the distance, saying this is how all cabbies in Pune are charging now,” Shaikh told Punekar News. “The site calculated the fare at ₹370 for 14.8 km, but as soon as he saw it, he insisted I pay the app fare — ₹400 — because it was higher. I was exhausted and didn’t want to argue, so I paid.”
Commuters Claim Drivers Cherry-Pick the Higher Fare
Many others have reported similar experiences across both Uber and Ola platforms. Cab drivers are allegedly comparing app fares with those calculated through the website and charging the higher of the two.
Another commuter, said, “I booked an Ola for a 19 km ride, and the app showed ₹280. But the driver charged ₹500, claiming it was the meter fare. If there’s surge pricing on the app, they demand that fare instead. There’s no consistency — it’s simply about making more money.”
The Rise of OnlyMeter.in and the Fare Confusion
This practice reportedly took off after May 1, following an announcement by Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Indian Gig Workers Front. Kshirsagar declared that cab drivers would start charging fares as per government rates, similar to autorickshaws. With no physical meters installed in the cabs, drivers now direct passengers to use onlymeter.in, a fare calculator platform created by the same organization.
The fare structure displayed on the website is pegged at ₹37 for the first 1.5 km and ₹25 per km thereafter — the government-notified rates for regular metered taxis.
Concerns Over Transparency and Legitimacy
Passengers are questioning the legality and transparency of this system.
“This is problematic,” said a Pune-based professional. “Unlike autos, these cabs don’t have meters. We’re being told to use a random website and trust the fare it gives. Who has verified this? Has the RTO approved this website?”
She added, “I took a Rapido from SGS Mall to FC Road. The app said ₹155, but I was charged ₹170 according to onlymeter.in.”
Lack of Invoices and Accountability
One passenger, who chose to remain anonymous, took to social media to call out Uber for failing to provide a proper invoice. “I was charged ₹900 for a trip that was ₹505 on the app,” he posted. “The driver said I’d get a bill, but I got nothing. How is this acceptable?”
The commuter added, “If drivers want to use meter-based pricing, they should have actual meters installed. At least then there’s some regulation and accountability.”
Authorities Yet to Respond
As of now, there has been no formal response from Uber, Ola, or the Regional Transport Office (RTO) regarding the use of onlymeter.in or the legality of drivers bypassing app-based fare systems. Commuters are urging authorities to step in and regulate these practices before they become the norm.
