Ahmedabad RTO Issues Notices to Ola, Uber, Rapido Over Auto-Rickshaw Driver Payments

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Regional Transport Office (RTO) has issued show-cause notices to app-based mobility platforms Ola, Uber and Rapido over allegations of paying auto-rickshaw drivers below government-prescribed fares. The companies have been given three days to explain their position following a complaint by the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Welfare Association, Ahmedabad.

The RTO has warned that unsatisfactory responses could lead to administrative action, including suspension or cancellation of their aggregator licences.

According to a state Ports and Transport Department circular, the prescribed auto-rickshaw fare is ₹25 for the first 1.2 km and ₹20 for every subsequent kilometre.

The association alleged that Rapido pays drivers ₹11–₹13 per kilometre for trips of 1.5–2 km, below the prescribed rate. It also cited instances involving Ola, where drivers allegedly received ₹332 for a 27.7-km trip against a prescribed fare of ₹554, and ₹257 for a 21.1-km journey against ₹422.

Uber was also accused of underpaying drivers. In one instance, a driver allegedly received ₹144.62 for an 11.4-km trip from Gota to Kalupur Railway Station, compared with the prescribed fare of ₹228. Another 12.2-km trip reportedly earned the driver ₹146.77 against ₹244.

The notices seek written explanations on why the companies’ licences should not be suspended or cancelled over the alleged violations.

Under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020, aggregators must obtain licences to operate. The RTO may initiate further legal and administrative action if the companies fail to respond within three days or their explanations are found unsatisfactory. DeshGujarat