The Regional Transport Office in Pune has issued a notice to Uber for not complying with government-approved fare rules.
Authorities have warned that if Uber continues to ignore the norms, its app could be deactivated in Pune.
What Are the Approved Fare Rules?
The Regional Transport Authority had directed all ride-hailing platforms to follow a fixed fare structure:
- ₹37 for the first 1.5 km
- ₹25 per km thereafter
Platforms like Ola and Rapido have reportedly complied, but Uber has not yet aligned its pricing system.
Action Against Drivers Likely
Since taking direct action against Uber is legally complex, authorities are focusing on drivers:
- Cabs and autos using Uber will be checked on roads
- Drivers not following fare norms may face fines
- Some may be asked to remove the Uber app
This enforcement strategy is aimed at pressuring the platform indirectly.
Why Direct Action Is Difficult
Officials say strict action against Uber itself is tricky due to:
- An ongoing case related to its operational permit
- Legal limitations under current aggregator regulations
This has forced authorities to target individual operators instead.
Long-Running Fare Dispute in Pune
The issue is not new. Pune has seen months of conflict involving:
- Drivers switching between app fares and meter fares
- Passenger complaints of overcharging
- Union threats like the “only meter” campaign
Earlier, the RTO had already fined drivers and warned aggregators to comply.
Why the Government Is Enforcing This
The fare regulation aims to:
- Ensure price transparency
- Protect passengers from surge pricing
- Guarantee fair earnings (minimum 80% share) for drivers
It also tries to bring app-based services in line with traditional meter-based systems.
What This Means for Commuters
If enforcement intensifies, commuters may see:
- More consistent pricing across apps
- Reduced fare manipulation
- Possible short-term disruption in cab availability
However, stricter rules could improve long-term reliability.
The Bottom Line
Pune’s crackdown on Uber signals a bigger shift—app-based cab services are now being tightly regulated.
If Uber fails to comply, stronger actions like app suspension could follow, reshaping how ride-hailing works in the city.
