September 25, 2025: The Indian Gig Workers’ Front (IGWF) has announced that drivers will begin charging ‘meter-based’ fares for taxis booked through aggregator applications in cities such as Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur from Tuesday onwards. The union has alleged that app-based taxi companies have failed to revise fares in line with the Maharashtra Government’s policy, which was notified in May this year.
In a statement issued by Dr Rahul Kshirsagar of the IGWF, it was confirmed that from 23 September 2025, drivers using platforms including Ola, Uber and Rapido will start charging passengers according to the new government rules. To promote transparency, the IGWF has launched a website, www.onlymeter.in, where travellers can check estimated fares before booking. For instance, a 12-kilometre journey from Fergusson College Road in Pune to Viman Nagar currently costs Rs 170 when booked via Uber Go, but the same trip would cost Rs 336 using the IGWF’s fare calculator.
Under the revised system, taxis will charge Rs 28 per kilometre for small cars such as hatchbacks, Rs 31 per kilometre for medium-sized cars such as saloons, and Rs 34 per kilometre for large cars such as SUVs. In addition, a base fare will apply for the first three kilometres.
Keshar Kshirsagar, head of the IGWF, stated that Additional Transport Commissioner Bharat Kalaskar had issued a circular on 16 September, instructing companies to display rates according to the Government Resolution by 5 pm on 18 September. However, even days after the deadline, cab aggregators have not complied.
While unions have welcomed the move, passengers have expressed concern over the sharp rise in costs. Psychologist Disha Shinde said the increase would double travel expenses for many, particularly students, who already face limited public transport options.
The May 20 Government Resolution also introduced protective measures for both drivers and passengers, including penalties for unfair cancellations.
Source: The Indian Express
