Overview
- Hundreds of app-based taxi and autorickshaw drivers from across Maharashtra rallied at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on September 30 to press for higher, regulated fares.
- Assistant transport commissioner Bharat Kalaskar directed Ola, Uber and Rapido to follow Black & Yellow cab fares until separate app-cab rates are set, but unions say apps still have not applied the government rates after the September 18 deadline.
- Under the Maharashtra Aggregator Policy, 2025, base fares are set at ₹22.72 per km for cabs and ₹17.14 per km for autos with a surge ceiling of 1.5x and a possible 25% reduction in low demand, and drivers also seek a welfare board.
- The transport department sent a letter warning union leaders against allegedly defaming the authority, with MMRTA secretary Bharat Kalaskar cautioning of legal action.
- In Pune, IFAT said Uber and Ola agreed to revise fares in line with the policy and cap surge at 1.5x, while organisers warned of a Rapido boycott as the company asserted it does not set fares and only charges a platform fee.