Pune ST Stands to Get Prepaid Auto Booths Like Railway Station: No More Overcharging or Ride Refusals
END OF AUTO OVERCHARGING - Prepaid Booths Launch at ST Stands | Representative Image
Pune, February 16, 2026: In an effort to overhaul the city’s last-mile connectivity and end the long-standing “bargain wars” at transport hubs, the Pune Traffic Police, in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), has finalized plans to introduce 24×7 prepaid auto-rickshaw booths at ST bus stands.
The End of Fare Bargaining: Prepaid Booths to Hit ST Stands
Following the successful, albeit occasionally volatile, model at Pune Railway Station, authorities are now targeting the city’s busiest bus terminals. For years, commuters arriving at Swargate and Wakdewadi, especially late at night or during peak hours, have reported being “held to ransom” by a section of auto drivers demanding exorbitant flat rates or refusing short-distance fares.
The new Pune prepaid auto booths aim to eliminate this friction. Under the proposed system, passengers will pay their fare at a dedicated counter managed by the Traffic Police and MSRTC, receiving a computerized receipt. The driver only receives payment once the trip is completed, ensuring accountability and fare transparency.
Strategically Positioned for Commuter Ease
The deployment plan for these booths is designed to capture passenger flow before “illegal solicitors” can intervene:
- Swargate ST Stand: The booth will be located near the main exit gate, adjacent to the primary passenger drop-off and pick-up zones.
- Wakdewadi (Shivajinagar) Stand: A dedicated lane and booth will be set up near the alighting points, close to the existing auto-rickshaw parking area to streamline queue management.
Understanding the 2026 Fare Structure: What Will You Pay?
A common concern among commuters is whether the “convenience” of a prepaid booth comes with a heavy price tag. According to the latest RTO Pune auto tariff card (effective Feb 2025/2026), the rates are standardized to protect both parties.
| Distance / Journey Type | Normal Day Fare (5 AM – 12 AM) | Midnight Fare (12 AM – 5 AM) |
| First 1.5 Kilometers (Minimum) | ₹26 | ₹32.50 (Approx. ₹33) |
| Per Subsequent Kilometer | ₹17.14 | ₹21.42 |
| Prepaid Service Incentive | ₹5 – ₹10 (Standard) | ₹5 – ₹10 (Standard) |
Editorial Note: The prepaid system usually adds a nominal service fee of ₹5 to ₹10. This fee covers the operational costs of the booth and provides a small incentive for the driver, who may have to return to the stand “empty” after a short trip.
Safety First: The ‘Rickshamitra’ Shield and Women’s Security
The decision to expand prepaid services is deeply rooted in passenger safety. Following safety concerns at major depots in 2025, the Rickshamitra Pune initiative has been integrated into the new booth operations.
Digital Tracking and Police Logs
Unlike a random “metered” ride flagged on the street, every ride from a prepaid booth is logged.
- Driver Profiling: The booth operator records the driver’s badge number, license plate, and photo before the passenger boards.
- Route Sharing: Female commuters can opt to have a tracking link sent to their relatives via the Rickshamitra digital platform.
- Panic Button Integration: All autos registered under the prepaid scheme at these stands are required to have functional, RTO-approved panic buttons.
Overcoming the “Union Hurdles” and Infrastructure Challenges
The path to these booths has not been without obstacles. In May 2025, MSRTC officials cited “space issues” at the 7-acre Swargate depot, leading to delays. However, persistent pressure from passenger forums and the Baghtoy Rickshawala Union led by Dr. Keshav Nana Kshirsagar has finally paved the way for implementation.
The “Local Gang” Factor
One of the primary reasons for the failure of previous attempts was the interference of local “non-booth” drivers. To counter this, the Pune Traffic Police have committed to:
- 24/7 Constable Presence: A traffic constable will be stationed at the booth to prevent unauthorized drivers from intercepting passengers.
- Strict Barricading: Dedicated “Prepaid Lanes” where only registered autos can queue, ensuring that local strong-arm tactics are kept at bay.
Why This Matters for Pune’s Image
As Pune grows into a global IT and manufacturing hub, its public transport image is critical. Bappu Bhave, President of the Pune Auto-Rickshaw Federation, stated, “We support any initiative that builds trust. A prepaid system removes misunderstandings and protects our honest drivers from false allegations of overcharging.”
For the commuter, it means the end of a long journey no longer involves a stressful negotiation. Whether you are traveling 2 kilometers to Deccan or 15 kilometers to Hinjawadi, the price is fixed, the driver is vetted, and the ride is documented.
