Ola and Uber Services Face Hearing Delays in Pune

The hearing regarding the operational licenses for ride-hailing companies Ola and Uber in Pune has been postponed for the sixth time, now scheduled for September 12. Initially heard by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) on April 22, the hearing has faced multiple rescheduling, with previous dates set for June 18, July 8, August 5, and August 22. Both companies have been operating in Pune without the necessary licenses for nearly a decade. A review conducted on March 11 revealed that the documentation submitted by Ola and Uber did not comply with the central government's Motor Vehicles Aggregators’ Guidelines, 2020. This has raised concerns about the legality of their operations, as they continue to provide services despite lacking the required licenses. Approximately 45,000 to 50,000 cabs, including those from both companies, have been active in the city since 2014. In light of ongoing complaints from cab drivers regarding fare increases, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) revised taxi fares in January, setting new rates for AC taxis. However, Ola and Uber have yet to implement these changes, leading to dissatisfaction among drivers. Despite discussions between driver unions, company representatives, and transport officials, no consensus has been reached, prompting the district collector to reject the companies' license applications in March. If the upcoming verdict is unfavorable for Ola and Uber, it could significantly impact their operations in Pune, particularly if they fail to adhere to the established norms and regulations set forth by the transport authorities.