Hyderabad: BRS general secretary RS Praveen Kumar on Thursday accused Green SM of using a low-fare strategy that could threaten auto-rickshaw and cab drivers’ livelihoods in Telangana.
He alleged that Green SM’s low-fare model was designed to attract drivers and customers while promoting the company’s vehicles. Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan, Praveen Kumar compared the company’s proposed pricing strategy with Jio’s entry into the telecommunications market.
He claimed that such pricing practices could eventually harm transport workers who depend on existing auto-rickshaw and cab services. The BRS leader also urged the Telangana government to introduce a clear fare structure to protect drivers’ interests.
BRS questions Green SM’s low-fare model
Praveen Kumar alleged that Green SM was attempting to attract drivers by promoting fares of Rs 8 per kilometre. He claimed the company was indirectly encouraging auto-rickshaw and cab drivers to abandon their existing vehicles and transport services.
According to him, the company’s main objective was to promote and sell its cars rather than safeguard drivers’ employment. He expressed concern that the proposed fare structure could affect the livelihoods of thousands of people working in the transport sector.
Furthermore, he questioned whether such pricing would serve the long-term interests of drivers who rely on passenger fares for their income. The BRS leader maintained that companies should not pursue vehicle sales strategies at the expense of existing transport workers.
Praveen Kumar compares pricing strategy with Jio
During the press conference, Praveen Kumar drew a comparison between Green SM’s proposed fare structure and Jio’s earlier telecommunications strategy. He said Jio initially attracted customers by offering free mobile data and voice calls.
However, he alleged that the company gradually increased tariffs after establishing its presence in the market. He also claimed that the resulting market conditions forced several telecommunications companies to shut down or merge with other operators.
Praveen Kumar argued that Green SM was attempting to follow a similar approach in the auto-rickshaw and cab transport sector. He suggested that the company’s low-fare proposal could attract users initially while creating difficulties for existing service providers.
These claims formed part of his criticism of the company’s proposed business model. Praveen Kumar called on the Telangana government to intervene and establish a clear rate card for auto-rickshaw and cab services.
He said a defined fare structure was necessary to safeguard the financial interests of drivers. Additionally, he urged authorities to consider the potential impact of Green SM’s low-fare model on existing transport workers.
The BRS general secretary said companies had the right to manufacture and sell vehicles. However, he maintained that business expansion should not undermine the livelihoods of thousands of auto-rickshaw and cab drivers.
He reiterated his demand for government intervention to protect drivers against what he described as potentially harmful pricing practices. The allegations against Green SM were made by Praveen Kumar at the press conference. The source report did not include a response from the company.