Ola and Uber to stop working in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad from February 20; Here's the reason

Cab and autorickshaw drivers associated with Ola and Uber in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad have declared an indefinite strike starting February 20 this year.

According to multiple media reports, The strike is a protest against the failure of these companies to implement revised cab fares as mandated by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on January 3.

What did the auto union say?

According to Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Indian Gig Workers Front and Baghtoy Rickshawala auto union, a significant demonstration is scheduled for February 20 in front of the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO).

The protest aims to draw attention to the drivers' demands for fare adjustments. 

What will be the impact on services?

Following the demonstration, all Ola and Uber services, including cabs and autorickshaws affiliated with these platforms and other app-based aggregators, will cease operations in the affected areas.

Only metered autorickshaws will remain available to the public, significantly impacting the availability of ride-hailing services, as per media reports.

What are the new fare rates?

The RTA, led by the collector, had approved a new fare structure on January 3. This revision set the base fare at Rs 37 for the initial 1.5 kilometres and Rs 25 for each subsequent kilometre in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and Baramati.

Kshirsagar said the discussions with the regional transport officer and district collector took place on Monday. The RTO has promised to convene a meeting with the aggregator companies on Tuesday, while the collector has stated the need to gather more information before making a decision.

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