Ola, Uber and Rapido services in Mumbai have been directed to follow the same fare structure as the city’s traditional black-and-yellow taxis until the Maharashtra government finalises a separate tariff system for app-based aggregators. The order was issued by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA), which instructed the companies to update their apps with the new fare chart by 5 pm on September 18.

According to the order, the revised fares will be ₹20.66 per km for non-AC taxis and ₹22.72 per km for AC taxis. Aggregators will be allowed to offer up to 25 per cent discounts during low demand and charge up to 1.5 times surge pricing during peak hours. MMRTA secretary and additional transport commissioner Bharat Kalaskar said the decision was taken in consultation with aggregator companies and driver representatives. The authority has also directed that 80 per cent of the fare collected must go to drivers, addressing a long-standing demand from driver unions.

For passengers, the change is likely to increase costs. Currently, app-based rides often start as low as ₹15 to ₹16 per km for smaller vehicles, but the new order will raise the minimum by at least ₹5 per km.

The Bhartiya Gig Kamgar Manch, representing drivers and gig workers, held a meeting in Mumbai to press for further reforms. Drivers also staged a protest outside the Transport Commissioner’s office at Flora Fountain, opposing the government’s plan to issue licences for motorbike taxis. Protesters carried placards reading “Ola Uber and Rapido Mantralay” and shouted slogans against Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, criticising him for recently purchasing a Tesla while drivers struggle for fair earnings.