Indian Gig Workers Front (IGWF) office-bearers said that app-based cab services such as Ola, Uber and Rapido in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Baramati will start charging fares based on government-approved rates from May 1. This comes after a meeting was held on Friday between cab drivers and IGWF representatives.
Under the new system, the base fare will be Rs 37 for the first 1.5 km, and Rs 25 will be added for every additional kilometre. A 10 km cab ride would cost at least Rs 249.50. Currently, the average cab fare, without any surge price, for the same distance is around Rs 175.
Besides, the IGWF is also launching a website, http://www.onlymeter.in. With the help of this website, passengers can calculate fares by entering the trip distance. "The cabs will carry a QR code linking to the site for easy access after each ride. Once the ride ends, passengers can go to the website, type the distance travelled, and see the fare as per government rates," Keshav Kshirsagar, President, IGWF, said.
"This approach will reduce the pressure cab drivers face to accept lower fares and also ensure the passenger knows the exact fare. It's a balanced solution for both," he added.
Reportedly, 45,000 cabs operate under Ola, Uber and Rapido in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
