App-based taxi fares in Mumbai and Pune may soon become much more expensive.
The Maharashtra government has recommended a 50% increase in base fares, following ongoing protests by taxi driver unions who are demanding better pay and fair treatment compared to traditional “kaali-peeli” taxis.
What Are the New Suggested Fares?
If the proposal is approved:
Mumbai: Base fare may go up from ₹16 to ₹24 per kilometer.
Pune: Base fare may rise from ₹12 to ₹18 per kilometer.
This is a big change that could affect thousands of commuters who use ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber every day.
Why the Fare Hike?
The main reason is pressure from driver unions. They argue that current fares on app-based platforms are too low, making it hard for them to earn a decent income.
The government’s proposal is seen as a response to these concerns. Officials say this is the first step toward getting a formal commitment from Ola and Uber to increase fares.
Unions are also asking for more transparency in how drivers are paid and want the companies to lower the commission they charge drivers.
How Will This Affect Commuters?
While the goal is to help drivers earn more, commuters could end up paying much higher fares — especially for shorter trips.
Some people worry this will make daily travel less affordable. Others believe drivers deserve fair pay and support the hike.
A spokesperson for a major ride-hailing company said that raising fares due to union pressure might actually reduce customer demand, which could end up hurting drivers in the long run.
Court Involvement and Legal Updates
The Bombay High Court recently stepped in, issuing an order to stop union protests from disrupting Uber services.
The court told police to make sure that drivers, vehicles, and company offices are protected from threats or damage.
What’s Next?
The state government is still in talks with ride-hailing companies to finalize the fare changes.
If approved, this could lead to more government rules for app-based transport services.
For now, commuters should expect higher fares soon, while drivers hope for fairer earnings and more transparent pay structures.
