Uber’s policy change in Pune gives auto drivers control over fares, commuters hassled

PUNE: Jayesh Koloti, a resident of Wanowrie, booked an autorickshaw last week via Uber platform to travel to Pune airport."The fare on the platform showed Rs 220. After I boarded the auto, the driver started the meter, which generally doesn't happen when one books a ride on aggregator platforms. Once I reached my destination, the auto driver told me to pay the meter fare, which was Rs 260.I was taken aback, and he told me that regulations had changed," Koloti said.With Uber having changed its regulations pertaining to autorickshaw rides from its platform, several commuters are confused and hassled. According to the new regulations, which came into effect in March this year, the auto fare to a destination reflected on the platform of Uber would only be suggestive, and the commuter and the auto driver must decide on the final fare. Further, Uber said it won't charge auto drivers any commission, and the fare should be paid to the driver via cash or UPI.An Uber spokesperson told TOI that the autorickshaw rides via the platform shifted to a new service model called Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). "Given the industry's shift towards subscription-based model for drivers, we have decided to align our approach accordingly so as not to be at a competitive disadvantage," an Uber spokesperson said, adding that the same model had not been implemented yet for cabs.A spokesperson for ride-haling platform Ola, however, said that the drivers on its platform are expected to charge customers the fares shown on the app. "There is no change in our policy yet," the spokesperson said. Vinay Pawar, who booked a ride on Uber app to travel from Vimannagar to Shivajinagar Metro station, said the auto driver refused to accept the fare of Rs 170 shown on the ride-hailing platform. He also refused to go by the meter. "the driver quoted a fare of Rs 350, citing new regulations. When I requested him to go by the meter, he refused and told me to cancel the ride, which led to an argument," he said.Udayan Tajani, a resident of Koregaon Park, said the RTO-approved fares needed to be synced with Uber platform. "The only advantage of booking rides on aggregator platforms is that one does not have to hunt for autorickshaws. Last week, I travelled from Koregaon Park to Kalyaninagar in Uber auto. Though the fare on the Uber platform showed Rs 60, the driver demanded Rs 140. Auto drivers in general don't want to confirm shorter trips.I was forced to pay the money as I was in a hurry," Tajani, a working professional, said."Recently, I booked an auto on Uber platform to travel from Pune railway station to Lullanagar. The fare shown on the platform was Rs 100. However, once I boarded the auto, the driver told me to pay Rs 250. When I requested him to go by the meter, he refused to do so, citing the new change in regulations. Auto drivers have been fleecing customers for a long time, but no action is taken against them. It is time that RTO should step in," said Sathish Jaikar, a bank employee.Autorickshaw unions said they are aware of the situation. "We have started a campaign and requested all autorickshaw drivers to go by the meter and not fleece customers. In many of the autos, information about changed Uber policy has been put up so that passengers know about the changed rules," Keshav Kshirsagar, president, Baghtoy Rickshawala union, told TOI.Attempts to contact Pune RTO officials failed to elicit any response.