Pune’s autorickshaw unions have given the Regional Transport Office (RTO) an eight-day deadline to take legal action against Rapido over its alleged unauthorised bike taxi operations. The unions have warned of an intensified protest if the authorities fail to act within the stipulated period.
The Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat and the Auto Taxi Transport Federation of India submitted a memorandum to the Pune RTO, demanding action against the company for allegedly operating bike taxis without the necessary government permissions.
Unions Demand Criminal Action Against Rapido
Dr Baba Kamble, national president of the Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat, alleged that Rapido was using privately registered two-wheelers to transport passengers without complying with the applicable transport regulations.
The unions claim that such operations affect the livelihoods of autorickshaw drivers and result in losses to government revenue. They have demanded an investigation and criminal proceedings against those responsible if violations are established.
The memorandum also referred to earlier legal proceedings involving Rapido’s operations in Pune. The unions argued that the company should comply with applicable transport rules and court orders.
The allegations are part of the unions’ representation to the authorities. The RTO’s action and the legal status of individual operators will depend on the relevant regulatory and legal proceedings.
Eight-Day Deadline and Threat of Protest
The unions have warned that they will launch a stronger agitation if their demands are not addressed within eight days.
The deadline adds to the growing tension between traditional transport operators and app-based mobility platforms in Pune. Autorickshaw drivers have repeatedly raised concerns that bike taxis operating without the required permissions create unfair competition for licensed commercial transport services.
The unions want the authorities to enforce existing rules and clarify which operators are legally permitted to offer bike taxi services in the city.
Three Major Demands Put Before the RTO
Apart from seeking action against allegedly unauthorised bike taxis, the organisations have raised two additional demands.
1. Action against unauthorised services: The unions want allegedly illegal bike taxi operations stopped and criminal proceedings initiated where violations are established.
2. Transparent fares on mobile applications: They have demanded that autorickshaw and taxi fares be displayed on booking applications in accordance with the fare formula prescribed by the Hakim Committee.
3. Welfare board for drivers: The organisations have called for a dedicated welfare board to improve social security and access to welfare schemes for autorickshaw and taxi drivers.
The unions believe these measures would improve regulatory compliance and provide greater protection to drivers working in the city’s transport sector.
Bike Taxi Licensing Remains a Key Issue
The dispute comes as Maharashtra works to establish a regulatory framework for app-based bike taxi services. Operators must meet the applicable licensing, vehicle and safety requirements before providing services legally.
The central question in Pune is whether the services currently being offered comply with the permissions and conditions required by the state government.
The authorities’ response to the unions’ memorandum will be important in determining the next steps. Any enforcement action will need to be based on the applicable rules and the facts established during the proceedings.
Summary
Pune’s Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat and Auto Taxi Transport Federation of India have given the RTO eight days to act against Rapido over allegedly unauthorised bike taxi operations. The unions have demanded criminal action where violations are established, transparent app-based fares and a dedicated welfare board for drivers. They have warned of intensified protests if their demands are not addressed within the deadline.
