Citizens Reject New Cab Fare System, Turn to Cheaper Transport Options
As per the revised pricing structure, drivers are charging a whopping Rs100 for the first 3km and Rs25 per kilometre thereafter. The fare hike, which has not been officially notified by authorities, is being seen by passengers as exorbitant.
Speaking to TOI, Kush Shah, a daily commuter from Pratap Nagar, recounted his experience: "The app showed me Rs150 to the railway station, but the driver demanded Rs200+, citing diversions and heavy traffic.
I immediately cancelled the ride and took the Metro instead."
Another commuter, Ashish Kumar, who was travelling with his elderly grandfather, had a similar complaint. "The driver refused to go to Nandanvan for less than Rs200. I ended up taking an auto from the main road, which was not only cheaper but also more courteous," he said.
Drivers, too, are feeling the heat. Many say they are unable to convince customers to accept the higher fares.
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Bhushan Jachak, a city-based cab driver, told TOI, "Out of 10 rides I received today, 8 got cancelled once the customers heard the fare. People are just switching to buses and Metro rather than paying extra." Another driver added, "Only passengers in a hurry or those dealing with emergencies agree to these revised rates.
Most others walk away or cancel the booking."
Some drivers blame the app companies and local authorities for the confusion.
"There has been no official fare notification issued by the government. Unless this is streamlined, the fare model is unsustainable," said a driver.
Representing the drivers, Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Maharashtra Workers' Union, said, "We are simply asking for implementation of government-notified rates. But despite multiple peaceful protests and follow-ups, neither the app companies nor the government have responded to our concerns."
He further informed that a crucial meeting with RTO officials and app-based service providers is scheduled to take place in Mumbai.
"If the talks fail to produce results, we will launch a state-wide chakka jam from Wednesday," he added.
Meanwhile, commuters continue to voice frustration as everyday travel costs soar, leading many to re-evaluate their transport choices.
Metro gains riders
With cab services suspended,
Nagpur Metro
observed a significant boost in commuter numbers. Four out of seven days in the past week recorded ridership crossing the one lakh mark. The other two weekdays, July 17 and 19, saw ridership close to the one lakh mark, with 99,018 and 99,612 commuters respectively. Even on Sunday, July 20 — when ridership typically dips to just above 60,000 — the Metro recorded a strong turnout of 74,795. Officials termed the trend encouraging, especially since Fridays and Saturdays, which usually see a drop, maintained high usage levels.
The surge indicates a shift in commuter preference towards the Metro as a dependable and affordable alternative amid the ongoing cab service disruption.
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