Pune: Cab drivers using the Uber platform may face scrutiny due to the aggregator's failure to comply with the Regional Transport Authority's directive to charge fares as per its approved rates. Pune's regional transport officer Archana Gaikwad told TOI that a letter was sent to Uber seeking an explanation for the non-compliance and warning that its application would be deactivated in Pune if it did not adhere to the fare norms.
Enforcement Measures
A source revealed that cabbies or autorickshaw drivers would be stopped to check if they were using the Uber platform. Those operating under Uber would be asked whether they were following the RTA-approved fare structure. If not, either fines would be imposed on the drivers, or they could be directed to remove the Uber application, the source added.
Background of the Directive
Last week, the Pune collector, who also heads the RTA, directed all aggregators — Uber, Ola, and Rapido — to ensure that fares were adjusted as per the RTA-approved rate: Rs37 for the first 1.5 kilometres and Rs25 for every subsequent kilometre, with compliance required by the end of April. Gaikwad stated, "Only Uber has not complied with the same. A letter has come to us from the state transport department to act against any aggregators not complying with the fare rules."
TOI sent WhatsApp messages to Uber seeking its stance on the issue, but a reply was awaited until press time.
Legal and Operational Challenges
A source noted that taking direct action against the aggregator could be tricky at the moment due to a case concerning Uber's operational permit pending before the State Transport Appellate Tribunal (STAT). "The action against Uber operators will hopefully compel the aggregator to follow the prescribed fare structure. The checks will also bring to the fore if commuters are being charged ‘meter fares'," another RTO official explained.
Industry Reactions
Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the India Gig Workers Front, stated that aggregators like Ola and Rapido are complying with the RTA-approved fares. "The problem is only with Uber. In Pune, around 35,000 cabbies and autorickshaw drivers use the Uber application. In Pimpri Chinchwad, the count is around 10,000. We have deactivated our ‘onlymeter.in' application after the RTO instructed us to do so. But if Uber doesn't comply with the fare rule, other aggregators might follow suit. If that happens, we will have to resume the website," he said.
