The Chandigarh Administration has taken a firm stance against cab aggregator companies, directing them to strictly implement the city's new fare policy. This move aims to end long-standing disputes over pricing and protect drivers from alleged exploitation.
Key Directives from the State Transport Authority
A crucial meeting was held on Thursday at the UT Secretariat in Sector 9. The gathering included officials from the State Transport Authority (STA), representatives from major cab aggregator firms, and associations representing drivers.
The central issue was the stark disagreement over fares. While the companies insisted they were charging customers correctly, driver representatives argued forcefully that the actual amounts reaching drivers were too low for survival. This conflict prompted the STA to issue clear and non-negotiable orders.
Immediate Compliance Mandated
The Chandigarh aggregator policy and fare structure, which was officially notified in July 2025, must now be followed by all companies. The STA explicitly ordered them to discontinue all internal systems, including pass systems and other mechanisms, that have led to financial hardship for drivers.
In a significant directive, the authority also mandated that no private vehicles should be attached to any aggregator platform. It warned that if any such vehicles are found, immediate action will be taken. The STA expressed strong dissatisfaction, noting that despite repeated past instructions on this issue, companies had failed to act—a situation that will no longer be tolerated.
What This Means for Drivers and Riders
The enforcement of the notified fare structure is expected to bring transparency and fairness to the ecosystem. For drivers, it promises a more sustainable income by eliminating hidden deductions and exploitative practices. For passengers, it ensures standardized and regulated pricing across platforms.
This intervention by the Chandigarh Administration marks a decisive step towards regulating the gig economy in the city's transport sector, balancing the interests of technology platforms with the welfare of the workforce that powers them.
