Traveling via cab services, including popular app-based platforms like Ola and Uber, may soon see an increase in fares in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO), in collaboration with cab associations and concerned stakeholders, is set to propose higher fares to the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on Tuesday.

The proposed fare structure suggests fixing the rates for air-conditioned cabs in both the cities at Rs 39 for the initial 1.5 kilometers and Rs 26 for each subsequent kilometer of travel. RTA will review the proposal under the leadership of the District Collector and take a decision.

The initiative comes in response to a one-day protest by cab drivers in Pune in October expressing dissatisfaction over low per kilometer charges. According to Pune regional transport officer Sanjeev Bhor, unlike Mumbai, per kilometer rates have not been formally established in Pune. The effort to determine the rates is in accordance with the Khatua Committee rules.

Currently, cab fares in Pune range from Rs 9 to Rs 12 per kilometre, which is even less than autorickshaw charges. As per the Khatua Committee recommendations, the proposed rates for non-AC cabs have been set at Rs 31 for the initial 1.5 km and Rs 21 for each subsequent km. Both fare slabs of AC cabs will increase by 25%.

The growth in cab registrations has been remarkable, with 8,130 cabs registered in Pune so far in 2023, taking the total registered cabs in the city to over 45,000. In Pimpri Chinchwad, around 5,000 cabs have been registered in 2023, contributing to around 23,000 registered cabs in the twin cities. Once approved by the RTA, the new fares will come into effect, reflecting the increased costs associated with cab services in the area.