Passengers Face Uncertainty As Autowalas Charge As Per Meter And Not App Fare

The new rule in Uber’s fare policy for auto rickshaws has left Punekars frustrated as they are now facing uncertainty over the final fare.

According to the new rule, which came into effect at the end of March, the fare displayed on the Uber app is only indicative, and the actual amount passengers have to pay will be based on the meter reading.

Earlier, passengers relied on the app’s fixed pricing, which was transparent for them. However, under the revised fare system, auto drivers are no longer bound by the app fare.

Passengers speak up

Arif Khan, a passenger speaking to FPJ, said, “On Tuesday noon, I booked an auto rickshaw through Uber. A fare of ₹145 was displayed on the app, but when I reached my destination, the driver insisted I pay ₹170, saying the meter showed a higher amount. I had no option but to pay instead of arguing with him. The new policy is not good because auto drivers could take a longer route to increase the fare.”

Ananya Rao, a techie who frequently uses Uber autos for her daily office commute in Yerwada, highlighted, “The availability of auto rickshaws on the app is cheaper than other modes of transport. Autos are easily available without wasting time, and they reach the passenger quickly. However, cabs are expensive and take time for pickup. It’s unfair if Uber can set app fares for cabs; why not for autos? This system is creating unnecessary arguments between passengers and drivers.”

‘It’s a matter of understanding’

Prakash Shinde, an auto driver, expressed, “It’s a matter of understanding only. Most of the time, the fare based on the meter reading is lower compared to the displayed fare on the app.”

Copy of agreemnet in autos

Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, President of Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha / Baghtoy Rickshawala, speaking to FPJ, said, “Auto drivers have been informed to keep a copy of the new agreement in all three languages—Marathi, Hindi, and English—in their rickshaws to inform passengers about these changes.”

On February 18, 2025, Uber signed new agreements with auto drivers, which were implemented from April 1 in Pune city and the PCMC jurisdiction.

According to the new agreement, instead of operating under an aggregator model, Uber will follow the SAAS (Software as a Service) model.

As per this agreement, the company will not charge any commission from auto drivers but will collect a fixed software usage fee (currently ₹19 per day). Uber will not interfere in transactions between auto drivers and passengers.