KOCHI:Commuters in Kochi faced a tough time hailing online cabs on Tuesday after 90 per cent of Uber drivers stayed off the roads as part of an indefinite strike against the US-based cab aggregator.T R S Kumar, president, Online Taxi Drivers' Association, cited the declining revenue of cab drivers as the reason for the strike.
“Under the current revenue structure, car owners are unable to even afford EMIs which come anywhere to `16,000,” said Kumar.The union has demanded the company to reduce the 26 per cent user fees it charges, form a proper framework which includes regularisation of staff and initiate employee welfare measures.
“The state government and the Centre should regulate online taxi companies which are making huge profits by taking drivers for a ride,” said Kumar.
Owing to the strike, regular online cab commuters faced surge pricing up to 2.5 times in the city. “Prices were more than twice the regular fare which forced me to switch to other modes of transportation,” said Meera, a resident of Kochi.
“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 stable earning opportunities while giving riders a convenient option to get around Kochi," said the Uber spokesperson.