The State Transport Appellate Tribunal (STAT) has postponed its decision on Uber’s operational permit in Pune, rescheduling the hearing to January 19, 2024. However, it remained silent on Ola’s case, which was criticized by gig worker unions.
Main updates:
- Stay order issued: Ahead of the planned strike of Ola drivers near Pune airport, STAT issued a stay order on 19 December. However, the tribunal postponed its decision by giving a new date in January.
- Silence on Ola: The tribunal addressed Uber’s case but did not comment on Ola’s operating license, disappointing drivers and unions.
- Gig worker frustration: Gig Workers Union chief Keshav Kshirsagar criticized the repeated delays and lack of clarity.
background:
In March 2024, District Collector Suhas Diwas rejected the license applications of Ola and Uber, citing non-compliance with the Motor Vehicle Aggregators Guidelines, 2020. The RTO was directed to formally reject these applications.
Revised Taxi Fare:
Earlier this year, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) revised taxi fares:
- Air-conditioned cab: ₹37 for first 1.5 km, ₹25 for each additional km.
Despite the update, Ola and Uber did not comply with the new fare structure, leading to tensions with driver unions.
Gig worker dissatisfaction:
Repeated adjournments of the tribunal have led to widespread frustration among drivers. Representatives from various unions expressed fatigue over the endless cycle of hearings with no resolution.
Deputy regional transport officer Swapnil Bhosale confirmed the date of fresh hearing of Uber’s case, but said no official update has been given on Ola’s case.
intent:
The ongoing delay in resolving operational permit issues for Ola and Uber highlights the systemic challenges faced by gig workers and app-based platforms. With the hearing being pushed back to January, drivers and unions are in limbo and awaiting clarity on their future.
