The strike highlights ongoing tensions between traditional taxi drivers and app-based services in Delhi. (Photo: PTI)
Delhi auto and taxi drivers have called for a two-day strike against app-based taxi services, alleging unfair competition and low earnings.
The strike, which began on Thursday, has caused inconvenience to commuters as many drivers are refusing to accept trips.
Speaking to ANI, RS Rathore, vice-president of Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Union, said that app-based taxi services are operating illegally and exploiting local drivers.
“Companies like Ola and Uber have eaten into our money. We have been on a strike against app-based taxi services like Ola and Uber. These companies are operating illegally and local drivers are not getting the payment they deserve. Secondly, these apps have taken over all vehicles like cars and bikes resulting in local drivers being out of business now,” Rathore said.
Speaking further, he said that if the government does not pay attention, it is more likely to wreak havoc on them in the future.
“If the government does not pay attention to this issue, it is more likely to cause more problems for us in the future. We have very simple demands – we just want Ola and Uber to be shut down. The fare of local autos and cabs that we drive is nearly Rs 500,000 and Rs 100,000, which we pay in installments. We also pay taxes to the government. Despite that, our daily livelihood is being snatched away,” Rathore added.
Drivers have complained that app-based services have cut into their earnings by taking away their rides, with some saying they can’t even cover their daily expenses.
“We only get rides for Rs 70 and most of the rides are snatched by Uber and Ola drivers. We are unable to make ends meet as we have no income,” he said.
Another local driver from Noida said that the apps are reducing their fare every day and do not provide any helpline for either the commuters or the drivers.
“These apps are reducing fares day by day and do not even offer support phone numbers for passengers. Platforms like InDrive and Rapido, which are new in the market, have started posing a lot of safety issues for drivers. We demand that there should be a customer support number for drivers as well. Taxi drivers earn less than auto drivers today.”
Meanwhile, the strike has left commuters stranded, with many reporting difficulties booking taxis.
“I have tried booking taxis but none are available. Drivers are charging exorbitant prices and refusing to go to certain destinations. This is causing a lot of problems,” said one traveller.
Ishwar, another commuter who was unaware of the strike, said he was having trouble booking taxis and local drivers were unwilling to leave.
“I have to go to the airport and I didn’t know that drivers were going on strike today. Uber and Ola drivers are not accepting rides and local drivers are also not willing to go. This is causing a lot of problems,” Ishwar said.
The strike highlights ongoing tensions between traditional taxi drivers and app-based services in Delhi.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First published: August 22, 2024 | 19:58 IS
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