Pune: RTO Urges Ola And Uber To Implement Revised Fares
Pune, 15th February 2024: Pune City Cab Drivers are considering a strike on February 20, claiming that the recently announced fare adjustments by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) have not been put into effect. The disagreement has led the RTO to summon representatives from Ola and Uber for a meeting, issuing written directives to ensure prompt adherence to the updated rates.
The Regional Transport Authority Committee recently revised the fares for AC cabs and has directed online ride-hailing platforms to comply with these changes. However, Ad Keshav Kshirsagar, spokesperson for the cab drivers, accuses the companies of intentionally delaying implementation, prompting a planned strike in front of the RTO office on February 20.
In response to the escalating situation, the RTO convened a meeting with Ola, Uber, and other online ride-hailing companies. During the meeting, the companies presented their perspective, emphasizing the pending state Aggregator Policy as a critical factor influencing their operations.
Presently, the companies’ pricing aligns with the Central Government’s Aggregator Policy, allowing for flexible rates. Rates can be reduced by up to 50 % during non-peak hours and increased by up to 50 % during peak hours. The RTO has requested detailed information from these companies regarding passenger numbers during both peak and off-peak hours.
To break the deadlock, the RTO has given clear instructions to Ola and Uber to implement the recently announced fares promptly. The regulator is now awaiting the requested data to evaluate further the impact of the rate changes on both passengers and drivers.
The imminent strike has raised concerns among commuters dependent on app-based cab services, underscoring the urgency for a resolution between the RTO and ride-hailing companies before the proposed strike date on February 20.
