The clash between Uber auto drivers and local rickshaw walas in Pune is intensifying with each passing day.
Recently, a video went viral showing a local rickshaw wala harassing an Uber auto driver and a woman passenger. In the video, the woman had booked an Uber auto to pick up her daughter from school. As the auto reached the lobby of her society, a local rickshaw wala suddenly appeared and blocked the road. He demanded that the woman cancel her Uber ride and get out of the auto. When the Uber driver opposed him, the rickshaw wala threatened him and ordered him to cancel the ride and park the vehicle on the side.
In another similar incident, an Uber auto driver was harassed by a group of local rickshaw walas near the Ramwadi Metro Station. A Reddit user who shared the video wrote, "I was near Ramwadi Metro and captured this from the top. Basically, they're forcing other auto drivers not to use any application. These goons keep intimidating others, and one even had a stick in his hand. No wonder people preferred to walk instead of taking a ride from them. I paid ₹100 extra and took a cab. You just can't feel safe with these goons around."
Commenting on the post, netizens said that rickshaw walas should be taught a lesson by switching to public transport.
"People need to understand that they must stop using autos and start using cabs, buses, or get their own two-wheelers. Stop giving money to these thugs or you’ll keep getting the same treatment," commented one user.
"PMPML and the metro are the only solutions to this," wrote another.
"The only way to teach them a lesson is by using public transport or cabs," said a third user.
Meanwhile, Uber's new fare policy came into effect at the end of March. According to this, the fare displayed on the Uber app is only indicative, and the actual amount passengers pay is based on the meter reading. Previously, passengers relied on the app's fixed pricing, which offered transparency. Under the new system, auto drivers are no longer bound by the fare shown in the app.
