Pune Cab Fare Controversy: Drivers And Passengers Bear The Brunt Of Unchecked Surcharges
Pune Cab Fare Controversy: Drivers And Passengers Bear The Brunt Of Unchecked Surcharges
In Pune, the city’s extensive fleet of over 40,000 cabs is facing a mounting crisis as passenger service companies impose exorbitant surcharges during peak hours and adverse weather conditions. Passengers frequently encounter fare hikes of 50 to 150 percent, with these additional costs channeled directly into company accounts, rather than benefiting the drivers.
The surcharge, which is purportedly applied due to high demand or inclement weather, often leads passengers to believe that the extra money is enriching the drivers. However, the reality is that only a fraction of this additional amount—10 percent—reaches the drivers. The remaining 90 percent is absorbed by the companies. Moreover, companies impose an opaque ‘third party’ charge, further straining drivers’ finances without clear justification.
Birudev Palve, President of the Maharashtra Tourist Taxi Association, underscores the financial burden on drivers. “Despite government-fixed fares, cab companies flagrantly disregard these regulations. Drivers are subjected to high commissions and hidden fees, leaving them with a meager portion of the fare to manage their expenses,” Palve explains.
A senior official from the Indian Gig Workers Front, condemns the current practices of these companies. “Operating without proper licenses, these companies engage in illegal business practices. The surcharges imposed on passengers are unregulated and unjust, demanding immediate intervention and regulation,” he argues.
The situation calls for urgent regulatory action to cap surcharges and enforce transparency in fare structures. Addressing these issues could provide much-needed relief to both cab drivers and passengers, ensuring fair practices in Pune’s taxi industry.
