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August 28, 2025 – With Pune’s new autorickshaw fare structure set to take effect on September 1, passengers are already facing demands for inflated charges. The revised rates, approved by the Regional Transport Authority, will see fares rise to ₹30 for the first 1.5 km and ₹20 for each subsequent kilometer. But drivers are allegedly quoting amounts well above that even before the official start date, citing the upcoming revision as justification.
Drivers accused of charging extra ahead of deadline
Commuters across the city report that some autorickshaw drivers are using the fare revision as a pretext to demand arbitrary sums — often exceeding both meter readings and aggregator app fares. The practice has sparked frustration, especially among daily travelers who rely on autos for work and errands.
Fatimanagar resident Kartik Yadav, a working professional, told local media that a driver charged him ₹210 for a trip to Koregaon Park, despite the meter showing ₹154. “The driver said fares had increased. Even under the new tariff, the fare should have been around ₹180. He refused to negotiate and forced me to pay,” Yadav said.
Vimannagar resident and bank employee Vinod Ahire described a similar experience while traveling to Shivajinagar. The meter read ₹190, but the driver demanded ₹245. “I know the new fares are effective from September 1. Why are drivers already charging more? He didn’t mention it at the start and created a scene when I objected. I was with my wife and had no choice but to pay,” Ahire said.
Aggregator app users also hit with extra charges
The problem extends beyond street hails. Passengers booking autorickshaws through apps like Ola and Uber are also reporting disputes. Kothrud resident Neeti Patil said she booked a ride to Pune airport through an app that showed ₹260. The driver later demanded ₹320, claiming general fares had increased. “I tried explaining the calculation, but he wouldn’t listen. Eventually I cancelled and took another auto,” Patil said.
Some drivers reportedly cite the time needed to refuel CNG as a reason for demanding extra money. Kondhwa resident Shamshad Naazir Shaikh, a call center employee, said an app fare for his journey to JM Road was ₹220, while the meter showed ₹237. He agreed to the metered amount, but the driver then demanded ₹265, arguing that stopping for CNG could cost him three to four hours of work. The dispute escalated until Shaikh threatened to call the police.
Airport, railway station, and mall routes see frequent fare disputes
The issue is particularly acute at high-traffic locations. Working professional Rishi Kumar faced a hefty quote after visiting Amanora Mall with his family. A driver demanded ₹450 for the return trip to Bibvewadi, while Kumar had paid only ₹220 for the outward journey. “The driver said fares had increased and CNG refueling was time-consuming. When I tried to reason, he shouted at me. It took half an hour to find another auto,” Kumar said.
Camp resident and teacher Medha Ladke reported a driver demanding ₹600 for a trip to Bavdhan, claiming the tariff had been revised. “He refused to explain how he calculated that amount. I booked another auto through an app, and the driver called to say I’d have to pay ₹60 extra on top of the meter. Auto drivers have become extremely rude, and they know authorities won’t act,” Ladke said.
Shivajinagar resident Amol Deshpande said he struggled to find an auto at Pune railway station. “Drivers quoted unreal fares, citing time wasted on CNG refilling and other excuses. Why don’t authorities take a tough stand?” he asked.
RTO responds, plans additional inspections
Pune
