Starting May 1, 2025, app-based cab services such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido operating in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and Baramati will implement fares according to rates approved by the Maharashtra government. This move aims to bring uniformity and transparency to cab fares, aligning them with existing autorickshaw tariffs.
According to the Indian Gig Workers Front (IGWF), which represents cab drivers in the region, the standardized fare structure fixes a base fare of ₹37 for the first 1.5 kilometers and ₹25 for every additional kilometer thereafter. For example, a 10-kilometer ride will cost approximately ₹249 under the new rates, compared to the current average fare of around ₹175 for the same distance, excluding surge pricing.
To facilitate fare transparency, the IGWF is launching a website, onlymeter.in, where passengers can calculate the official fare by entering their trip distance. Cabs will display QR codes linking to this site, enabling riders to verify fares after each trip. The platform will also include rates for air-conditioned cabs set according to government guidelines.
Keshav Kshirsagar, president of IGWF, explained that the fare standardization helps eliminate inconsistencies and reduces pressure on drivers to accept lower fares. “This ensures passengers know the exact fare, and drivers receive a fair amount. It’s a balanced solution for both,” he said.
The new fare policy also complements Maharashtra’s broader efforts to regulate surge pricing, which will be capped at 1.5 times the base fare to prevent excessive charges during peak hours, as per state transport department proposals.
This fare revision reflects the government’s intent to create a fair and transparent ecosystem for both commuters and drivers while addressing longstanding complaints about arbitrary fare hikes and refusals by cab operators.
