CHENNAI: Fares of popular taxi aggregators, Uber and Ola, remained high for much of Monday as a section of drivers stayed off roads, protesting against falling incentives and long working hours besides other exploitative practices. The unavailability of taxis had a cascading effect with fares increasing up to three times.
More than 50 taxi drivers assembled at the office of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), affiliated to the Communist Party of India (Marxist), in Guindy on Monday. Addressing the media, former legislator and CPI(M) leader G Bhimrao announced that three driver associations have joined hands with CITU for a three-day strike starting Monday, during when taxis will not be operated.
Placing forth a 13-point demand list, including calls to revise night/waiting time charges and remove the driver rating system, Bhimrao said, “Our main appeal is that the State government should intervene and fix the fares, just as it has done for autos.” He also announced their plan to stage a ‘blockading’ protest in front of the Transport Commissioner’s office in Chepauk on Wednesday.
Lambasting the unfair practices of Ola and Uber by offering cheap rates to customers at their expense, drivers said they are paying a steep commission of close to 30 per cent to the aggregators every day. With monthly incomes dwindling, they said it is proving to be very hard to support their families.
The situation has worsened with the State government’s decision to revise VAT, resulting in a steep increase in fuel prices.30% cut: