Pune Airport News: Passengers Allege Overcharging by Bharat Taxi Drivers
Pune Airport News
Passengers arriving at Pune Airport have raised concerns about alleged overcharging by drivers operating under the newly launched Bharat Taxi service. Travellers have claimed that some drivers are asking for additional parking charges on top of the fare shown in the app.
One passenger, entrepreneur and frequent flyer Pranav Pawar, said he experienced the issue after arriving from Delhi at Pune airport in the early hours of Tuesday. He booked a Bharat Taxi cab to travel to Narayan Peth.
According to Pawar, the fare shown on the app was ₹451. However, after reaching his destination, the driver asked him to pay an additional ₹125.
Pawar said the driver explained that Bharat Taxi vehicles were not allowed inside AeroMall, where the airport’s taxi facilities are located. Because of this, the passenger was asked to pay the parking charges.
Pawar said he was confused because the additional cost had not been clearly communicated when he booked the cab. As it was around 1 am, he decided to pay the extra amount rather than argue with the driver.
The passenger questioned why customers should have to pay a parking charge when the amount was not included in the fare displayed on the app.
He also expressed disappointment because Bharat Taxi is being promoted as a cooperative-led, driver-owned taxi service that aims to offer a fair experience to passengers.
The incident has raised questions about fare transparency for passengers using app-based taxi services at Pune Airport. Travellers generally expect the fare shown at the time of booking to clearly mention any additional charges that they may have to pay.
Extra costs that are introduced after a ride can create confusion and lead to complaints from passengers. Clearly displaying parking fees or other additional charges could help customers understand the total cost before confirming a booking.
For airport passengers arriving late at night or early in the morning, unexpected charges can be particularly inconvenient.
Bharat Taxi is described as India’s first cooperative-led, driver-owned aggregator. It is operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited, which signed an agreement with the Airports Authority of India in February to provide taxi services at major airports.
The service has been launched with the aim of offering passengers another transportation option while giving drivers greater ownership in the taxi business.
However, the complaints from Pune Airport passengers show the importance of clear communication about fares and airport-related charges as the service expands.
The allegations made by passengers highlight the need for taxi operators to clearly explain all charges before a ride begins. Airport authorities and service providers may also need to ensure that passengers understand whether parking charges are included in the fare or have to be paid separately.
For Bharat Taxi, addressing such complaints could be important as it continues to expand its presence at airports across India.
Passengers using the service are likely to expect the final amount they pay to match the fare shown during booking, or for any additional charges to be clearly mentioned in advance. Clear pricing and better communication could help prevent misunderstandings and improve confidence in the new taxi service.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
