Pune : Commuters Stranded as Cab and Auto Drivers Go On Indefinite Strike Over Fare Dispute
Ola's Fate in Pune Hangs in the Balance, decision awaited from State Transport Tribunal
A significant disruption hit Pune on Tuesday morning as thousands of app-based cab drivers and auto-rickshaw drivers commenced an indefinite strike, leaving the city’s residents grappling with inconvenience. The strike, spearheaded by private cab drivers and auto drivers’ unions in Pune, aims to press for the implementation of new fares, benchmarked against rates observed in Mumbai.
Vikrant Kulkarni, a frequent traveler, shared his frustrating experience of futile attempts to secure a cab online from Wagholi, enduring exorbitant rates and a scarcity of available cabs. Similarly, Saurabh Deshpande recounted his struggle upon landing at Pune Airport, compelled to resort to an auto-rickshaw due to the unavailability of cabs.
Dr. Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Indian Gig Workers Front, emphasized the failure of app-based cab companies in Pune to adhere to the Regional Transport Authority’s directive to implement revised fares since January 1, 2024, prompting the initiation of the strike.
The proposed fare structure for both black-and-yellow taxis and air-conditioned taxis in Pune has been delineated, with initial rates set at ₹31 and ₹37 respectively for the first 1.5 km, followed by incremental per-kilometer charges.
Amidst the standoff involving transport unions, cab companies, and administrative bodies, passengers find themselves at the receiving end of the dispute. As cab and auto driver organizations escalate their demands for fare adjustments, deliberations between authorities such as the Pune Regional Transport Office and the district collector are underway to navigate a resolution.
The looming prospect of fare hikes raises apprehensions among commuters, potentially amplifying their commuting expenses. The lack of clarity surrounding fare regulations and the administration’s responsiveness to drivers’ demands only compounds the situation.
“We condemn the violence and intimidation of drivers that has led to disruption of services in certain parts of Pune. The demand posed to increase cab fares if implemented, will make the rider pay upto 60% more and will make rides prohibitively expensive for a large section of people who depend on us to reliably get around their city. It will eventually hurt drivers’ livelihood as it will impact overall rides.”, an Uber spokesperson said.
