App-based cabs in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur to charge meter fares from Tuesday, says gig workers’ body

To ensure that the rates are transparent, the IGWF has launched a website http://www.onlymeter.in where travellers can get an estimate of their rates. Using Uber Go, a 12-km ride from Pune’s Fergusson College Road to Viman Nagar currently costs Rs 170. However, the same ride will cost Rs 336 if the website is used to calculate the fare.

In addition to the base fare for the first three kilometres, cabs will charge rates of:

1) Rs 28 per kilometre for small cars like hatchbacks

2) Rs 31 per kilometre for medium-size cars like sedans

3) Rs 34 per kilometre for large cars like SUVs

Keshar Kshirsagar, head of IGWF, said, “Additional Transport Commissioner Bharat Kalaskar issued a circular on September 16 stating that companies should display rates according to the Government Resolution from 5 pm on September 18, 2025. Even days after the deadline, cab aggregators have not updated these rates.”

Disha Shinde, a psychologist who regularly travels using aggregator apps, said the steep increase in rates will double passengers’ expenses, especially for students. “I was a student till earlier this year and I would not have this much money to spend on travelling. Not everyone’s parents will give them that much money. And it is not like the buses are very good or the Metro is available everywhere,” she said.

According to the May 20 Government Resolution detailing the aggregator policy, rates fixed by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for autorickshaw or cab services shall be the base rates for aggregator apps. In order to avoid unfair competition with metered taxis, the discount rate given during off-peak hours should be limited to 25 per cent of the fare. The rates during peak hours should not be more than 1.5 times the base rate.

The policy also introduces various other measures for the protection of cab drivers and passengers. If a driver cancels a ride without a valid reason, a fine of 10 per cent of the fare or Rs 100, whichever is less, will be imposed. Similarly, a penalty of 5 per cent of the fare or Rs 50 will be imposed on the passenger if he cancels the ride.