Pune: Flyers Struggle With Cab Booking at AeroMall, Forced to Book Premium Cabs
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Passengers arriving at Pune Airport continue to struggle with last-mile connectivity issues, particularly at the AeroMall pick-up point, where limited availability of regular cabs and frequent cancellations have sparked frustration. Many flyers allege being pressured into booking premium cabs, which come with significantly higher fares, exacerbating their travel woes.
Complaints have surged regarding drivers of regular cabs cancelling trips, especially during late evening hours, often after inquiring about the exact destination. Passengers who attempt to cancel rides themselves face fines from cab platforms, leaving them with no choice but to opt for premium options. One flyer shared their ordeal on social media, stating that after a prolonged wait, they were only able to secure a cab at premium rates, raising suspicions of a possible scam.
Long waiting times and overcrowding at the pick-up point have added to the chaos. Another passenger arriving from Delhi, recounted waiting over 30 minutes for an Ola Mini, only for the driver to cancel the ride. Switching to Uber resulted in further delays. Similarly, a Pimple Saudagar resident faced a 30-minute wait and an additional half-hour to exit the airport premises, with his fare surging from Rs 500 to Rs 800 due to the delays.
Despite efforts by AeroMall authorities, including the introduction of a PIN-based system for premium cabs to reduce waiting times, the problems persist. Regular cabs operate from the second floor, while premium cabs are available on the first floor. AeroMall officials deny any foul play, attributing the issue to a shortage of regular cabs. YS Rajput, Vice President of AeroMall, stated that Ola has acknowledged the shortage in its Mini and Premier categories, suggesting passengers opt for premium options for quicker departures. Uber, however, reportedly faces no such issues.
Rajput emphasized that drivers repeatedly cancelling rides can be banned from the premises to curb disruptions. He also highlighted alternative transport options, including e-cabs, local cab services, and pre-paid autorickshaws, available at the facility.
The recurring cab availability problem at Pune Airport’s AeroMall has left passengers frustrated, with many calling for immediate solutions to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity.
