Uber Auto Drivers in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad to Operate on Meter-Based Fares from April 1

Pune, 22nd March 2025: Starting April 1, 2025, auto-rickshaw drivers affiliated with Uber in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad will charge passengers as per government-approved meter rates, aligning them with regular auto services.

Uber recently revised its agreement with auto drivers, shifting from an aggregator model to a Software as a Service (SaaS) framework. The new agreement, signed on February 18, 2025, redefines Uber’s role, making it a technology provider rather than a direct service intermediary.

As part of this transition, Uber will no longer take commissions from auto drivers. Instead, drivers will pay a fixed daily fee of ₹19 for using the platform’s software. The company will also refrain from intervening in fare negotiations, leaving transactions entirely between drivers and passengers. Auto drivers must adhere to state transport regulations.

With this structural change, Uber no longer holds an employer-employee or service provider-customer relationship with auto drivers. Consequently, labor laws and consumer protection regulations applicable to traditional aggregator platforms will not govern Uber in this capacity.

Key Changes for Riders and Drivers
Under the new arrangement, fares displayed in the Uber app will serve only as a reference, not a fixed price. The actual fare will be determined by the driver based on the rickshaw’s meter reading. This eliminates surge pricing during peak hours or weather-related demand spikes, which previously led to inconsistent fares for both drivers and passengers.

Despite the contractual changes, Uber’s app has yet to reflect any updates regarding fare adjustments. However, modifications in line with the new system are expected soon.

To inform passengers, many auto drivers are keeping copies of the revised agreement in their vehicles, ensuring riders understand the shift to meter-based pricing.