Pune Commuters Abandon Auto Stands Amid Rising Refusals, Overcharging, and Vanishing Spots
Pune, 20th April 2025: Once a common sight in every neighborhood, autorickshaw stands in Pune are slowly disappearing, leaving commuters with fewer local options and a growing dependence on app-based aggregators or fixed personal arrangements.
Ritika Mehra, an IT professional living in Wadgaon Sheri, now relies on a trusted autorickshaw driver who ferries her to and from her office every day. Until recently, she used to walk a short distance to a nearby auto stand. “It just vanished one day,” she said. “There used to be several familiar drivers, and it was never difficult to find a ride. But now, even when I use Uber, Ola or Rapido, many drivers decline short-distance trips. That’s why I chose to have a regular driver.”
Ritika’s case isn’t isolated. Many Punekars are opting for fixed auto drivers due to increased instances of refusal, overcharging, and the disappearance of established stands — once considered the backbone of urban commuting in the city.
Disappearing Stands and Growing Discomfort
In areas like Tilak Road, long-time residents have observed changes that are making daily travel inconvenient. “There was a stand near the old cinema hall,” said Neelam Joshi, a 60-year-old resident. “A restaurant has now taken over that space. Though the signboard still exists, no autos wait there anymore.”
Neelam, who considers herself only moderately familiar with technology, has downloaded ride-hailing apps, but says drivers rarely show up. “Even after booking, they cancel or simply don’t respond,” she added.
Shift in Commuting Preferences
For younger commuters like Mihika Salvi, a college student in the NIBM Road area, autorickshaw stands are no longer the go-to option. “Drivers at local stands often ask for extra money or refuse to go short distances. There’s an auto stand near my building, but I prefer booking a Rapido or Uber auto — at least I don’t have to haggle.”
Trust Deficit and Declining Relevance
A similar sentiment was echoed by Aditya Borkar, a corporate employee from Baner. “I tried getting a ride to the airport from drivers parked outside my society. Both demanded nearly double the regular fare. I immediately booked a Rapido instead,” he said. “Unless there’s a crackdown on this kind of passenger exploitation, autorickshaw stands will continue to fade out.”
Aggregators Add to the Shift
Auto aggregators like Uber and Rapido recently allowed their driver partners to operate by meter, but commuters say that’s more of a suggestion than a mandate. The in-app fare isn’t always honored, and drivers often insist on negotiating fares directly.
Pune has 890 authorized autorickshaw stands. The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) is currently reviewing these locations to obtain an updated count. “The number of stands may have decreased due to factors like urban development. We’re working to verify the current status and determine how many additional stands are required,” said Swapnil Bhosle, Pune deputy RTO.
Keshav Kshirsagar, president of Baghtoy Rickshawala Union, stated, “The RTO, Pune traffic police, and PMC collaborate to designate autorickshaw stand locations after unions submit proposals. The Regional Transport Authority (RTA), led by the Pune collector, assesses the site’s practicality and traffic suitability before approval. The PMC is tasked with providing the necessary facilities. We’ve proposed new stands at various locations, but approvals are delayed. In high-demand areas, we sometimes establish stands without formal permission.”
With the shrinking footprint of traditional autorickshaw stands and limited enforcement on pricing and service obligations, more and more commuters are turning away from this once-dependable public transport option — not out of preference, but frustration.
