Pune: Ola, Uber Drivers Call for Boycott Over Fare and Licensing Disputes, Commuters May Face Ride Shortages
Pune, 4th December 2024: Commuters in Pune may face challenges booking Ola and Uber rides next week as the Indian Gig Workers Front (IGWF) has called for a boycott of these cab aggregators from December 11 to 15. The protest highlights demands for better fare rates and questions the legality of the aggregators operating without proper licenses.
IGWF President Keshav Kshirsagar announced that the primary demonstration would take place outside AeroMall near Pune airport on December 11. “Drivers working with these platforms will not accept rides during the boycott period,” he said. “However, passengers can negotiate directly with drivers for trips, and fares will be charged as per the government-prescribed rate of Rs 24 per kilometer.”
Kshirsagar urged drivers in both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to join the protest, emphasizing the financial struggles faced by cab operators. “We have formally informed the airport director, AeroMall management, and the airport police station about the planned protest,” he added.
A local driver voiced his frustration over the current operating model. “The aggregators take a significant cut of the earnings, leaving us with barely enough to sustain ourselves,” he explained. “Additionally, the increasing number of cabs in the city has intensified competition, further reducing our income.”
The issue of licensing has also come under scrutiny. In March, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) rejected licensing requests from Ola and Uber, citing their non-compliance with the Central Aggregator Policy. At the time, Pune RTO official Sanjiv Bhor stated that the platforms were operating on provisional licenses across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Baramati, which had since expired. Despite warnings of enforcement, the companies have continued their operations.
Providing an update on the licensing status, Pune Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad said, “The matter regarding their license applications is scheduled for a hearing on December 20.”
