Even as they are trying to come to terms with Pune auto drivers' new agreement with Uber, Punekars are now raising concerns about meter tampering.
Several commuters in Pune have reported being overcharged due to alleged fare meter tampering by auto rickshaw drivers, despite booking rides through aggregator apps like Uber.
Recently, Uber has implemented new rules for auto rickshaw bookings via its app, as drivers could charge fares based on meter readings.
Passengers have taken to social media and spoken to media outlets, highlighting their experiences of being forced to pay inflated fares due to suspiciously fast-running meters.
Shrikant Sonawane, a passenger speaking to Free Press Journal, said, "I was forced to pay the tampered bill. On April 2 in the morning around 5:30 am, I booked the auto rickshaw from Akurdi to Wakad. It was showing approximately ₹111, but through the meter, ₹120 was charged. The extra light was blinking on the meter fare, which is a sign of meter tampering. Uber has started the new policy, but passengers are facing so many difficulties, and it's an opportunity for auto rickshaw drivers to tamper with the fare meter."
'Meter readings are highly inflated'
Sunil Koloti, another passenger who posted on X, highlighted, "Despite booking via the app, auto drivers insist on charging by the meter. However, the meter readings are highly inflated, running abnormally fast. When questioned, the driver became confrontational. For instance, on a 10 km ride, the fare should be approximately ₹153–₹155 as per the official rate (₹25 for the first 1.5 km and ₹17 per subsequent km). Instead, I was charged ₹197. The meter was beeping continuously, increasing by ₹2–₹3 every few meters.
"This indicates meter tampering, and immediate action is required to curb such unfair practices. Please intervene to ensure commuters are not overcharged," he added.
Esha Karmankar, another commuter, posted on X, "I too faced a similar situation. It's better to book Rapido auto and Uber cabs, and of course, Ola is always there. Rapido bikes should be introduced in Pune, which are more convenient for single travelers and do not cause major traffic jams. It'll reduce the dependency on auto drivers."
ARTO reacts
Swapnil Bhosale, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Pune, speaking to Free Press Journal, said, "No complaints regarding this issue have been made to the Pune RTO by the passengers. However, we will definitely look into the matter. Accordingly, action will be taken. Fare meter tampering is a crime, and auto drivers will be penalized if they do not obey the rules."
