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Mumbai has raised app-based cab fares to ₹23 per km, with surge pricing capped at 1.5x.
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Drivers will keep 80% of the fare, but protests argue the increase isn’t enough.
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Unions claim Ola, Uber, and Rapido haven’t implemented the new rates and are concerned about e-bike competition.
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Unions threaten political action, urging drivers to vote against the government if demands aren’t met by September 30.
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Protests target Transport Minister Sarnaik’s Tesla purchase and call for a ban on motorbike taxis.
In a major move, Mumbai’s transport authority has more than doubled the per-kilometre fare for app-based cabs, raising it to ₹23 from ₹12 to match Cool Cabs. Effective from September 18, the revised rules also cap surge pricing at 1.5 times the base fare during peak hours and mandate that drivers receive 80% of the fare, with aggregators retaining 20%.
With smaller cabs currently charging around ₹15-16 as base fares, the new rates represent a significant increase, fuelling dissatisfaction within the driver community.
Mumbai drivers demand new fare hike enforcement
Driver unions in Mumbai are protesting the delayed implementation of the newly revised fares by app-based aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. They allege that despite the fare hike, these companies have not adhered to the new rates, which could further affect their earnings. Adding to the tension, the introduction of cheaper e-bike taxis (₹15 for 1.5 km) threatens to severely undercut their income. Hundreds of drivers rallied at Azad Maidan, demanding immediate enforcement of the new fares and a ban on motorbike taxis.
The protests have taken a political turn, with unions warning that if their demands are not met by September 30, they will encourage drivers across Maharashtra to vote against the ruling government. The protests also targeted Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, criticising his recent purchase of a luxury Tesla.
Gig workers in Mumbai rally against bike taxis
The Bhartiya Gig Kamgar Manch, which represents gig workers including cab and auto drivers, held a meeting to voice their concerns. A group of drivers also protested at the Transport Commissioner’s office in Flora Fountain against the government’s decision to grant licenses for motorbike taxis, fearing it would harm their earnings.
With placards reading “Ola Uber and Rapido Mantralay”, the unions warned of more intense protests if their demands for a fair fare hike and a halt to bike taxi licenses aren’t met. As tensions escalate, the fight for fair compensation and regulation in Mumbai’s gig economy continues.
App-based cab rides in Mumbai now 50% pricier! Check new rates
