Cab Fares Likely To Rise As Drivers Plan Uber App Boycott In Pune, Mumbai And Nagpur
Cab Fares Likely To Rise As Drivers Plan Uber App Boycott In Pune, Mumbai And Nagpur
Pune, July 25, 2025: Cab rides in Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur are likely to become costlier starting Friday, as the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha — a wing of the Indian Gig Workers’ Front — has announced a boycott of the Uber platform in protest against unmet demands related to fare regulation.
The move comes after Uber approached the Bombay High Court seeking relief from ongoing protests. The court has now restrained unions and their members from obstructing Uber cab services. “While Ola and Rapido have not taken legal action, Uber has approached the court. We are exploring legal alternatives, but for now, cab drivers will boycott the Uber app,” said Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Indian Gig Workers’ Front, following a meeting with senior union members and RTO officials from Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur at the transport commissioner’s office.
Sources indicate that a majority of cab drivers in Pune rely heavily on the Uber platform. With the boycott, commuters may face limited cab availability and surge pricing. “Drivers are free to operate on Ola and Rapido, but Uber’s unavailability will push up fares,” Kshirsagar added.
Commuters have expressed frustration. Fares are inconsistent. Many drivers charge RTA-approved rates, not what the app shows. Why doesn’t the RTO take strict action, said Smita Shinde, a cab user commented.
As per the RTA-approved tariff in Pune, cabs must charge ₹75 for the first 3 km and ₹25 for every additional kilometre.
Kshirsagar also noted that no aggregator has yet submitted a promised written assurance stating when the RTA-approved fares would reflect in their apps. “Until that happens, cab drivers will continue to boycott the Uber app,” he said.
