Autorickshaw commuters in Pune have alleged that some drivers are already charging fares based on the revised tariff, despite the new rates coming into effect only from September 1. Passengers claimed that drivers were citing the fare revision to demand amounts higher than those shown on meters and aggregator apps.
Pune revised auto fare rules from September 1
The Regional Transport Authority has approved a revised autorickshaw fare structure under which passengers will have to pay Rs 30 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 20 for every subsequent kilometre. The revised rates will be applicable from September 1.
However, commuters alleged that some drivers have started using the revised tariff ahead of its effective date and are also adding arbitrary amounts to the fare.
Fatimanagar resident and working professional Kartik Yadav told TOI that an autorickshaw driver charged him Rs 210 for a trip to Koregaon Park, despite the meter showing Rs 154.
“The driver said fares had increased. I could not understand his calculation because the fare should have been around Rs180 even under the revised tariff. He refused to listen and forced me to pay,” Yadav told TOI.
Pune commuters complain of higher auto fares
Vimannagar resident and bank employee Vinod Ahire also alleged that he was overcharged while travelling to Shivajinagar. According to him, the meter showed Rs 190, but the driver demanded Rs 245.
“I know the new fares come into effect on September 1. Why are drivers already charging higher? He did not tell me in the beginning of the trip. He created a scene when I objected. I was with my wife and had no option but to pay,” Ahire told TOI.
Commuters also alleged that passengers booking autorickshaws through aggregator apps were sometimes being asked to pay more than the fare displayed on the application.
Auto drivers allegedly demand more than app fare
Kothrud resident Neeti Patil said she booked an autorickshaw to Pune airport through an aggregator, with the app showing a fare of Rs 260. She alleged that the driver later demanded Rs 320.
“He said the general fares had increased. I tried explaining the calculation, but he did not listen. Eventually, I cancelled the trip and took another autorickshaw,” Patil told TOI.
CNG refuelling cited as reason for extra charges
Some commuters claimed that drivers were also citing the time required to refuel CNG as a reason for demanding additional money.
Kondhwa resident and call centre employee Shamshad Naazir Shaikh said an aggregator showed a fare of Rs 220 for his journey to JM Road, while the meter showed Rs 237. He agreed to pay the metered amount but alleged that the driver later demanded Rs 265.
According to Shaikh, the driver claimed that stopping for CNG could cost him three to four hours of working time. The disagreement escalated into an argument, after which Shaikh refused to pay the additional amount and threatened to call the police.
Pune airport, railway station passengers report fare disputes
Working professional Rishi Kumar said he faced a similar issue after visiting Amanora Mall with his family. He alleged that an autorickshaw driver quoted Rs 450 for the return journey to Bibvewadi, while he had paid Rs 220 for the trip to the mall.
“The driver said additional charges were because fares had increased and filling CNG was time consuming. When I tried to reason, he just snapped and started to shout at me. It took me half an hour to find another autorickshaw,” Kumar told TOI.
Camp resident and teacher Medha Ladke said a driver demanded Rs 600 for a trip to Bavdhan, claiming that the fares had been revised.
“He refused to explain how he had calculated the tariff. I booked another autorickshaw via an aggregator who called to say that apart from going by the meter, I will have to pay Rs 60 extra. Autorickshaw drivers have become extremely rude and they know that authorities won’t act against them,” Ladke told TOI.
Shivajinagar resident Amol Deshpande said he struggled to find an autorickshaw at Pune railway station after several drivers quoted what he described as unreasonable fares.
“They all quoted unreal fares giving excuses about time wastage because of CNG refilling, among other things. Why don’t the authorities take a tough stand against them?” Deshpande told TOI.
Pune RTO says no major complaints received
Pune RTO officials, however, said they had not received any major complaints about drivers charging the revised fares before September 1.
“People may be facing such issues, but no one has approached us. We will take action if that happens. Also, our inspectors are conducting random checks in the city,” an RTO official told TOI.
Auto union asks drivers not to overcharge passengers
Keshav Kshirsagar, president of Baghtoy Rickshawala Union, said drivers should not overcharge passengers but acknowledged that unions cannot monitor every autorickshaw driver.
“We tell our members repeatedly not to fleece passengers. But the RTO needs to take strict action against those violating rules,” Kshirsagar told TOI.
With the revised Pune auto fare set to come into effect from September 1, commuters are now seeking clarity on the applicable tariff and stricter enforcement against drivers allegedly collecting higher fares before the new rates officially take effect.
