Hyderabad: App-based cab drivers associated with Rapido, Ola and Uber launched a nationwide cab drivers strike on Saturday, disrupting services across several cities.
Drivers called for a six-hour protest under the banner “All India Breakdown” on February 7. The strike began at 6 am and is scheduled to continue till 12 noon. As part of the protest, drivers have switched off their apps and are refusing ride requests. In several cities, cab availability has dropped sharply, affecting commuters.
Drivers said the absence of a fixed base fare has hit their earnings. They alleged that app companies were arbitrarily deciding fares and charging high commissions, which further reduced their income.
Drivers demand minimum fares, an end to unilateral pricing
The protesting drivers demanded that governments enforce the minimum travel fares already announced. They also sought an end to unilateral fare decisions by app-based companies. In addition, drivers demanded a ban on commercial rides using private vehicles.
They called for transparency in fare calculation and opposed discounts offered at their expense. According to them, promotional pricing shifts the financial burden onto drivers. Therefore, they said the current fare system was unsustainable.
The ongoing cab drivers strike has begun affecting passengers, particularly during peak hours. As a result, many commuters depend on public transport. Drivers warned that if authorities fail to address their demands, they will intensify the agitation. They also threatened longer and more severe strikes in the future.