By Kavita Mistry 
A growing number of Pune residents are turning away from traditional auto rickshaw services. Complaints range from refusal to take short rides and not using meters to charging fares well above the actual rates. Many commuters say they are being asked to pay double for short trips, especially in high-demand areas.
Shortage of Designated Auto Stands
Pune has over 1.3 lakh registered auto-rickshaws but only 540 official stands. Pimpri-Chinchwad fares no better, with just 150 stands for over 42,000 autos. The result is chaos: autos pick up and drop passengers at random points, increasing congestion and making it hard to find reliable transportation—especially in busy and older parts of the city.
Daily Struggles for Students and Office-Goers
Suburban areas like Viman Nagar and Kharadi are witnessing rising frustration. Commuters report walking long distances to find available autos, only to be charged extra due to the lack of nearby stands. Students and professionals are among the most affected, with daily travel turning into a negotiation battle.
RTO Helpline Flooded, App in Development
In response to rising complaints, Pune’s RTO launched a WhatsApp helpline, but it was soon overwhelmed with irrelevant messages. Authorities are now developing a dedicated mobile app to streamline grievances. However, passengers continue to deal with aggressive drivers, especially near key points like Pune Railway Station.
Auto Unions Resist E-Bike Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
Adding to the tension, auto unions have protested against electric bike taxis, fearing loss of income. Meanwhile, ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Ola face resistance too. Drivers often refuse trips or go offline, citing low commissions and safety concerns, further limiting options for daily travelers.