App-based taxi and bike-taxi drivers like Ola, Uber and Rapido have gone on a day-long strike in Maharashtra on Thursday, which could cause major travel problems in many cities including Mumbai and Pune.
App-based taxi and bike-taxi drivers from Ola, Uber, and Rapido have launched a one-day strike in Maharashtra on Thursday, potentially causing significant travel disruptions in several cities, including Mumbai and Pune. The drivers’ union’s main demands include a fixed and standard fare structure, social security, and insurance benefits. They have also demanded an end to arbitrary account closures and a ban on bike taxis, citing the reduction in cab drivers’ earnings.
According to a CNBC TV18 report, the government has promised to introduce a new “aggregator policy” within two days, which will include a cap on surge pricing, fixed driver payouts, and stricter regulations for app companies. But the union is not convinced and has warned of an indefinite strike if its demands are not met.
HT reported that auto-rickshaw, taxi, and cab drivers have also announced a strike, alleging corruption and favoritism within the transport department. Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Indian Gig Workers Forum, alleged that ministers and officials are allowing private app companies to break rules and accepting sponsorships from them. He said that drivers who demand fair fares are implicated in police cases and sent to jail.
The strike has been timed to coincide with a visit by the central government’s finance department to draw attention to the irregularities in the transport department. During the last such strike, passengers were stranded for hours at airports, railway stations, and bus terminals, and some private vehicles charged exorbitant fares.
Today, commuters are advised to rely on public transport and plan their journeys in advance, as availability of app-based trains may be significantly limited.