Cab aggregators Ola and Uber are in a bit of trouble as drivers in the city of Bengaluru have said that they will go on strike on 26 January unless the state government puts a cap on the commission charges. According to the Hindu, hundreds of drivers working for the two app-based cab companies were gathered outside the Town Hall on Sunday to protest against the Transport Department demanding for enforcement of the taxi aggregator rules which were introduced last year.
According to the rules, app-based taxi services could charge commission to drivers at 10 percent, however aggregators have gone further and increased this to as much as 30 percent in the past two months. This is not the first time that drivers have been unsatisfied with the companies as last month a flash protest was held at the Kempegowda International Airport. The protest was against the flat rate schemes for airport rides which were introduced by Ola and Uber which were allegedly resulting in huge earning cuts. A similar strike was also planned by drivers for 30 and 31 December but was subsequently called off.
This time however, drivers have said that they will not back out.“We want these company representatives to give an assurance to the government that our earnings are protected. They lured us with the promise of good income, but the aggregators are now reaping the benefits of the popularity by leaving us behind. While we get paid Rs 4 to Rs 5 a km, companies are charging up to Rs 19.50,” said a driver at the protest on Sunday.
We asked Uber for a clarification on the issue where a spokesperson said, “We strive to be a mobility option for everyone in Bengaluru and we regret the disruption caused to our rider and driver community by a small group of individuals. We remain committed to serving the city, ensuring driver partners can continue to access a stable income, while giving riders a convenient, reliable option to get around their city.”
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