Pune Airport to Streamline PIN-Based Cab Services at AeroMall
Viman Nagar, 9th September 2024: Starting next week, all PIN-based cab services at Pune Airport’s AeroMall will be relocated to the first floor, aiming to simplify cab pickups for passengers. This move is expected to reduce confusion and improve efficiency for travelers seeking immediate cab services.
YS Rajput, Vice President of AeroMall, explained that the reorganization is intended to alleviate the current chaos. “At present, both Ola and Uber have introduced PIN-based services for select categories. Ola has implemented it for their SUV and Prime Plus segments, while Uber offers it for XL and Premier categories. This system allows passengers to quickly get a cab without waiting,” he said.
Currently, cab pickups for arriving passengers take place on the second floor, but even with the PIN system in place for over a month, travelers have continued to report delays in securing rides.
“With the shift of all PIN-based cabs to a single location on the first floor, we expect a smoother process. Travelers can go directly to the first floor, book their cabs via the PIN system, and leave the airport promptly. Ola, Uber, and a new service called Cab-E will also begin pickups from the same floor, with on-the-spot booking available. Commercial vehicle parking will be moved to the fourth floor to make space for this adjustment,” Rajput added.
Despite the implementation of the PIN system, some passengers have voiced concerns over long wait times and availability issues. One traveler reported waiting for more than 40 minutes for a cab. “I used the PIN system, but there were no cabs available in the segments offered. I had to cancel and book a regular cab, which took even more time,” the passenger said.
Another traveler expressed frustration with the cost of the PIN-based segments. “The fare for Uber’s XL and Premier segments from AeroMall to Undri during non-peak hours is around ₹600, compared to ₹260 for a regular cab. In peak hours, the fare jumps to ₹800-900,” they noted.
An anonymous airport official acknowledged occasional peak-hour challenges. “The real issue arises between 10 pm and midnight, when several flights land, leading to a surge of passengers. Additionally, bad road conditions and waterlogging are causing further delays in cab arrivals,” the official said.
With these new measures, the airport authorities aim to provide a more seamless experience for passengers and reduce the congestion that has been plaguing the cab pickup process.
