Pune IT Professional Threatened by Uber Auto Driver, Incident Raises Questions on Safety Support Measures

Reported by Amit Singh
Pune, 23rd April 2025: A Pune-based IT professional has raised serious questions about Uber’s safety support protocols after a late-night incident in which he was allegedly threatened by an auto driver booked through the ride-hailing app.

The incident occurred around 12:40 am on April 22 when the commuter booked an Uber auto from a hotel in Kalyani Nagar to his residence in Ganesh Nagar, Bopkhel. The app displayed an estimated fare of ₹185. The driver confirmed the trip over a call, with both parties agreeing to travel as per the metered fare. However, the driver reportedly failed to turn on the meter and, upon arrival, demanded ₹372—nearly double the app’s estimated fare.

The passenger claimed that the driver became aggressive, stating, “You have to pay, I am not afraid of anyone,” creating a threatening environment on a dark, deserted street. Out of fear, the passenger paid the demanded amount and contacted Uber’s safety support immediately via phone—not to seek a refund, but to report the threat to his personal safety.

Despite a long conversation focused on the threatening behavior and the lack of security measures, the passenger later received a written response from Uber, stating that the company could not refund the fare or intervene. The message emphasized that Uber only provides a “suggested fare” for auto rides and that the final fare must be negotiated between the rider and driver, with no commissions involved or payments handled by Uber.

This response has raised questions about the effectiveness of Uber’s safety infrastructure under its revised autorickshaw policy. “Money was never the concern—I was scared for my safety. But all I got was a message about fares refund,” the commuter told Punekar News. “Where is the safety support when a passenger is threatened?”

In March 2025, Uber revised its autorickshaw fare policy. Under the new guidelines, the fare shown on the app is only indicative, with the final fare to be negotiated directly between the rider and the driver. Uber also announced that it would not collect commission on auto rides, and that drivers must be paid directly in cash or via UPI.

Since the rollout of this policy, several users have reported confusion and disputes during trips, especially in the absence of fare enforcement and clear communication on safety escalation.