Pune auto and cab drivers protest at Collector's office, demand ban on bike taxis

Thousands of auto-rickshaw and cab drivers gathered outside the Collector's office in Pune on Monday, demanding action against bike taxi services. The drivers say these services are running illegally and directly hitting their livelihood.

The protest was organised by the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha. The drivers asked the District Collector to have an FIR registered against the owners of Rapido and the officials responsible for running its operations in Pune. They allege the company is still operating bike taxis in violation of government rules.

The drivers also demanded legal action against the company's representatives. According to them, the company did not follow the earlier directions given by the Collector and the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

The drivers have a second complaint, against the app-based companies Ola, Uber and Rapido. They say these companies do not show the government-approved fare on their apps. According to the drivers, this causes them financial loss, and passengers too are not clearly told how much they have to pay. One of their main demands is that all ride-hailing companies be required to show the official government-approved meter fare on their apps.

The Sabha said the District Collector responded positively to the demands. It claims the Collector has directed the police to take appropriate legal action against Rapido's bike taxi services.

Sabha president Dr Keshav Kshirsagar warned that if these alleged illegal services are not shut down in the coming days, auto-rickshaw and cab drivers in Pune will begin an indefinite strike. He said drivers should also be guaranteed the right to ply at the government-approved fare.

The Sabha also said the government should look into the effect these services are having on drivers' livelihood and act on the matter without delay.