The State Transport Appellate Tribunal (STAT) has once again pushed back its decision on Uber’s operational permit in Pune, with the hearing now scheduled for January 19, 2024. This latest delay has left drivers and gig worker unions frustrated, especially as Ola’s operational status remains uncertain.

Earlier in December, STAT issued a stay order just before a planned strike by Ola drivers near Pune airport. However, the tribunal has yet to provide any updates on Ola’s case, further adding to the confusion and dissatisfaction among drivers and unions.

Keshav Kshirsagar, head of a gig workers union, criticized the repeated postponements, stating that they show a lack of consideration for the challenges faced by drivers who rely on these platforms for their income.

The operational permits for Ola and Uber have been a contentious issue since March 2024 when their license applications were rejected by District Collector Suhas Diwase for non-compliance with the Motor Vehicles Aggregators’ Guidelines, 2020. The introduction of a revised taxi fare structure by the Regional Transport Authority earlier this year further exacerbated the disputes between the platforms and driver unions.

The ongoing delays in decision-making have led to growing frustrations among gig workers, with drivers facing financial strain and uncertainty about their future. Deputy Regional Transport Officer Swapnil Bhosale confirmed the new hearing date for Uber but acknowledged the lack of updates regarding Ola, adding to the frustration among all stakeholders involved.

The continued uncertainty surrounding the operational permits for Ola and Uber has wider implications for drivers, platforms, and consumers. Timely and transparent decisions from the tribunal are essential to restore confidence in the ride-hailing ecosystem in Pune and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines. Until then, drivers and unions are left in a state of limbo, eagerly awaiting clarity and actionable outcomes from the authorities.

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