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, drawing criticism from gig worker unions.
Key Updates:
- Stay Order Issued: Ahead of a planned strike by Ola drivers near Pune airport, STAT issued a stay order on December 19. However, the tribunal deferred its decision, granting a new date in January.
- Silence on Ola: The tribunal addressed Uber’s case but did not comment on Ola’s operational licence, frustrating drivers and unions.
- Gig Worker Frustration: Keshav Kshirsagar, head of the gig workers union, criticized the repeated delays and lack of clarity.
Background:
In March 2024, District Collector Suhas Diwase rejected licence applications for Ola and Uber, citing non-compliance with the Motor Vehicles Aggregators’ Guidelines, 2020. The RTO was directed to reject these applications formally.
Revised Taxi Fares:
Earlier this year, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) revised taxi fares:
- Air-Conditioned Cabs: ₹37 for the first 1.5 km, ₹25 for each additional km.
Despite the updates, Ola and Uber did not comply with the new fare structure, aggravating tensions with driver unions.
Gig Worker Discontent:
The tribunal’s repeated postponements have sparked widespread disappointment among drivers. Representatives from various unions expressed exhaustion over the endless cycle of hearings without resolutions.
Deputy Regional Transport Officer Swapnil Bhosale confirmed the new hearing date for Uber’s case but said no official updates on Ola’s matter have been provided.
Implications:
The ongoing delays in resolving operational permit issues for Ola and Uber highlight systemic challenges faced by gig workers and app-based platforms. With hearings pushed to January, drivers and unions remain in limbo, awaiting clarity on their future.
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