Punekars are up in arms with Uber's new fare policy for auto-rickshaws. According to the policy, which came into effect at the end of March, the fare displayed on the Uber app is only indicative, and the actual amount passengers pay is based on the meter reading. Previously, passengers relied on the app's fixed pricing, which offered transparency. Under the new system, auto drivers are no longer bound by the fare shown in the app. This has raised concerns among Punekars about possible meter tampering, with several commuters reporting instances of being overcharged by auto-rickshaw drivers.
Amidst the growing frustration, a Reddit user’s post has gone viral after he claimed to have uninstalled the Uber app due to the new policy.
He wrote, “Today I uninstalled the Uber app and tried Rapido as many suggested, and guess what—auto wala bhaiya from Rapido told me the same story. I cancelled my ride and booked another one, and as soon as he arrived, all of them started pointing and saying ‘meter se chalo, meter se chalo.’ I am so annoyed right now. Why should I pay more for no reason? If this is the new rule, it should be clearly specified by all the apps. Why are they making daily commutes so difficult?”
Several other commuters commented on the post, sharing similar experiences.
"I travelled from Swargate to Aundh. Uber showed ₹130, but by meter, the auto wallah took ₹155," one user wrote.
"Yesterday I booked an auto through Uber. He started the meter, and after we reached the destination, he charged me the Uber fare—which was ₹12 more than the meter. So if the meter had shown more, he would have charged me that instead. Such losers, man. I’m going to book cabs from now on and use the metro wherever possible," another user shared.
"Today I did an Uno reverse! Uber said the fare was ₹135. Meter reading was ₹127. When I asked the driver how much I should send, he said ₹135 and showed me the app. I insisted on the meter and paid ₹127," a third user commented.
