Starting May 1, cabs operating through Ola, Uber, and Rapido in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and Baramati will begin charging fares based on state government-approved rates, similar to autorickshaws. This update was confirmed by the Indian Gig Workers Front, with its president, Keshav Kshirsagar, stating that the decision was made during a cab drivers’ meeting held on Friday.
Under the revised fare structure, passengers will be charged ₹37 for the first 1.5 km and ₹25 for each additional kilometer. This means a 10 km ride will now cost at least ₹249.50, compared to the current non-surge average of around ₹175. For instance, at 9 PM on Friday, an UberGo ride from Ghole Road to Salunke Vihar Road (10 km) was priced at ₹219.
To support the implementation of this fare system, a new platform www.onlymeter.in will be launched. Each cab will display a QR code linking to this website. After completing a ride, commuters can enter the distance traveled on the site to calculate the official fare instantly.
Kshirsagar added that since the new system will take time to gain public awareness, it will be accompanied by an awareness campaign. The change will affect approximately 45,000 cabs operating under these ride-hailing platforms in the region.
