Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 25: The Maharashtra government has warned app-based cab aggregators Uber, Ola, and Rapido that their provisional permits will be cancelled if they fail to implement the revised fares approved by the state. Transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar confirmed the move on Wednesday, following complaints from driver unions about non-compliance.

Driver unions met Bhimanwar at the transport commissioner’s Churchgate office and submitted a letter urging strict action. The unions had earlier announced the government-approved Cool Cabs per-kilometre fare of Rs 22.72 for aggregator taxis and proposed base fares of Rs 28 for hatchbacks, Rs 31 for sedans, and Rs 34 for premium cars.

“We have come up with the notification for fares for the benefit of people and aggregator cab drivers. However, if the operators do not implement it, we will certainly take action to the extent of revoking the provisional licence issued to them,” Bhimanwar said.

Despite the September 16 notification, Uber, Ola, and Rapido have yet to update their apps, leading to arbitrary fares and disputes between drivers and passengers. “Some passengers agree to pay as per RTO rates, while others prefer the fares shown on the app.

To avoid arguments, drivers are charging the app fare,” said Sudhir Patil, an app-based driver.

Officials said a comprehensive policy for app-based transport is being finalised. Under the new rules, aggregators may raise fares up to 1.5 times during peak demand and offer up to 25% discounts in off-peak hours, but cannot cut rates below Rs 6–8 per km.

Drivers must also receive 80% of the fare, with companies retaining only 20%, compared to the earlier 35% claimed by driver unions.