The recent change in Uber’s fare policy for auto rickshaws in Pune has caused frustration among commuters, as it brings uncertainty about the final fare amount. Effective from April 1, following agreements signed on February 18, 2025, Uber no longer follows the aggregator model but has shifted to a SAAS (Software as a Service) model. Under this, Uber charges auto drivers a fixed software fee of ₹19 per day and does not interfere in fare transactions. The fare shown on the Uber app is now only indicative; passengers must pay the amount shown on the meter instead.
This shift has led to dissatisfaction among passengers who previously benefited from fixed app-based pricing. Arif Khan, a commuter, shared an incident where the app showed ₹145 but the driver demanded ₹170 based on the meter reading. He pointed out the risk of drivers taking longer routes to increase fares. Similarly, Ananya Rao, a daily commuter, expressed concern over the inconsistency—questioning why fixed app fares apply to cabs but not autos. She noted that while autos are more accessible and affordable, the current system fosters conflict between drivers and riders.
On the other hand, auto driver Prakash Shinde argued that the meter-based system is fair and sometimes even results in lower fares than the app estimate. To improve transparency, Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, President of the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha, stated that auto drivers have been instructed to keep a copy of the new agreement in Marathi, Hindi, and English inside their vehicles to inform passengers about the changes.
Overall, the new model removes Uber’s control over pricing, placing fare responsibility entirely on the driver and their meter. While drivers appreciate the flexibility, passengers are left uncertain and vulnerable to disputes, sparking growing debate on the fairness of the new policy.
Amidst the confusion over Uber auto fares in Pune, a shocking video has come to light where a woman and her Uber auto driver were harassed by a local auto rickshaw driver for allegedly protesting the presence of app-based transport services in Pune. The case has come to light from Pune's Hadapsar, where a woman and her Uber auto driver were harassed by a local auto-rickshaw driver. The video of this incident is going viral on social media.
In the video, a woman books an Uber auto and goes to fetch her daughter from school. However, as the auto reaches the lobby of her society, a local auto rickshaw driver suddenly appears and blocks the road. In the viral clip, the local auto rickshaw driver, with a big smile, tells the woman to cancel the Uber ride and get out of the auto. When the Uber driver opposes him, the man threatens the driver and instructs him to cancel the ride and park the car on the side. As the woman leaves, she notes the number of the man’s auto.
This is not a singular incident in Pune. In several areas of the city, local auto drivers threaten Uber, Ola cabs, and autos. Several such incidents have come to the fore from Sangamwadi, where private buses from parts of India and Maharashtra drop and pick up passengers. As the situation escalates, commuters are left questioning the safety and reliability of app-based transport services.
Passengers in Pune are facing issues due to the new agreement of Uber with auto drivers. Even as they are trying to come to terms with Pune auto drivers' new agreement with Uber, Punekars are now raising concerns about meter tampering. Several commuters in Pune have reported being overcharged due to alleged fare meter tampering by auto rickshaw drivers, despite booking rides through aggregator apps like Uber. Recently, Uber has implemented new rules for auto rickshaw bookings via its app, as drivers can now charge fares based on meter readings.
The combination of fare disputes and incidents of harassment highlights the growing tensions between traditional auto drivers and app-based services like Uber. As the city grapples with the transition to a new fare model, it remains to be seen how these conflicts will evolve and what measures will be put in place to protect both drivers and passengers.
In conclusion, the recent changes to Uber’s fare policy in Pune have sparked significant confusion and unrest among commuters. With the shift to a SAAS model, passengers are left to navigate a new landscape of fare disputes and potential harassment from local drivers. As the situation continues to unfold, both Uber and local authorities may need to step in to ensure a fair and safe commuting experience for all.
