Pune l
Commuters in Pune face increased confusion and hassle while booking autorickshaws through Uber after the platform changed its fare policy in March 2025. Under this new system, the fares displayed on the Uber app are now indicative, not final, giving auto drivers the authority to negotiate or decide the final fare directly with passengers.
This shift comes as Uber transitions into a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, where the company no longer charges drivers a commission per ride. Instead, drivers pay a fixed subscription fee to access the platform, and the actual ride fare is agreed upon between the driver and the commuter.
While this gives more freedom to auto drivers, many passengers have reported feeling misled or overcharged. Jayesh Koloti, a resident of Wanowrie, booked an Uber auto to Pune airport with an app fare of ₹220. However, the driver demanded ₹260 citing meter rates. In another instance, Vinay Pawar was asked to pay ₹350 for a ride quoted at ₹170 on the app, with the driver refusing both the app and meter fare.
The inconsistency has led to disputes and raised concerns about fare transparency and commuter rights. In contrast, Ola has maintained its fixed-fare policy, providing more predictable pricing for customers.
With growing complaints, there is increasing demand for regulatory bodies to step in and establish clear, uniform guidelines for ride-hailing platforms, especially as they shift toward new business models.
