Passengers travelling by auto rickshaws and cabs of Ola, Uber and Rapido are suffering from several confusions over the fare charging system, as cab drivers have begun charging fares based on fair calculations from a website named www.onlymeter.in (authorised by RTO, Pune) instead of the amount shown on the app.
The new system, to which drivers are saying, “We are following the government-approved fare rates,” has created confusion among passengers due to the change in policy. Passengers allege drivers are charging excessive prices rather than the fare amount displayed on the app, citing changes in routes.
Commuters speak up
Sneha James, a regular commuter from Kothrud, speaking to FPJ, said, "We booked the cab through Uber for Swargate from Kothrud Depot. The fare was showing on the app as around ₹140; however, the driver charged us ₹160 and forced us to pay the amount, alleging the rate was being charged after calculation through the authorised website and new policy. It was very confusing and untrustworthy."
Rahul Kulkarni, another passenger, said, “Earlier there was confusion on the fare policy based on meter charges from auto rickshaws. Now the fare is being calculated through a website. The government should set the policies at one time for clarity among drivers and passengers. People have no time to argue on the road over fare. It is very annoying.”
Keshav Kshirsagar, President of the Auto Rickshaw Union, speaking to FPJ, said, “The fare has been charged from the passengers based on the website approved by Pune RTO and new rates.”
“We have instructed all drivers, including auto rickshaw and cab drivers, to paste a QR code sticker in their vehicles so that passengers can check the fare themselves. Transparency about the fare is mandatory. No argument over the fare should happen between the drivers and the passengers,” he added.
Swapnil Bhosale, Deputy Regional Transport Officer, speaking to the Free Press Journal, said, "The fare charges allotted by the RTO are the only applicable ones. If anyone is charging more, it will be punishable. Passengers can complain online to the RTO over the issue. We will take action against the defaulters."
