Ola Uber strike

For many citizens in Hyderabad, who mostly depends on cabs for their transport the New Year turned to be a miserable day following the Ola and Uber drivers staying off the streets. Particularly, for those who plan to return homes after New Tear celebrations last night the situation turned worst.

They were exposed to transport hurdles after the Telangana Cab Drivers and Owners Association (TCDOA) had declared a five-day strike against taxi aggregators- Ola and Uber. They are demanding surge pricing system that was withdrawn post demonetisation.

This has been forcing regular travellers depend on these taxis to make other mode of transport like auto rickshaws and private taxis, who have been now demanding abnormal charges, which are five to eight times the normal rate.

The TCDOA claims that of the 1.2 lakh cab drivers in the city, 90,000 are working with both Ola and Uber. About 1 lakh drivers have taken part in the strike. However, those drivers to work who are doing trips to airport and emergencies are allowed.

Ola and Uber drivers expressing concern that their managements are taking several new registrations, due to which existing cab owners are not able to meet the minimum targets set by the companies themselves. They deplore that a few 100 cabs are operating now and the companies brought back surge pricing and are fleecing customers.

However, both Uber and Ola sent out text messages asking drivers not to trust rumours spread by other drivers. Ola in their text message to drivers mentioned that 14,000 drivers were already online in the morning. Attempts to get in touch with Ola did not illicit a response.

Ola and Uber are private e-commerce companies and do not come under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The move to bring all taxi aggregators under the Motor Vehicles Act, 2016 amendment Bill got cabinet nod in August this year.