App-based cab drivers go on strike in city, leave hapless citizens in lurch
Jaipur: App-based cab services in Jaipur came to a standstill on Monday as owners' and drivers' associations started an indefinite strike. With over 23,000 app cabs keeping away from city roads, commuters, particularly those at the airport, railway stations, and bus stands, struggled to find transport.
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Offline autorickshaws were the only available option, with drivers making hay, overcharging passengers.
The strike saw the participation of approximately 25,000 app-based cab drivers, 20,000 auto drivers, and 10,000 commercial bike and taxi operators. Their demands included implementation of the gig workers' welfare legislation, fare regulation, and adherence to the Motor Vehicles Act. The state is awaiting the implementation of the Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023, passed by the Gehlot govt.
Protesters who work for Ola, Uber, Rapido, and inDrive platforms urged the state govt to enforce prescribed fares, remove non-compliant private bikes, and ensure aggregators follow the Motor Vehicles Act. They also called for a city taxi policy to maintain a supply-demand equilibrium. While the services are expected to resume on Tuesday, the protests will continue.
"The main reasons for this strike are the increasing exploitation of operators by these companies, unfair fare policies, violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, and non-compliance with motor vehicle aggregator guidelines," said Ashish Arora, president of the Rajasthan Gig and App-Based Workers' Union.
"Drivers claim that due to intense competition among these companies, fares are being reduced unfairly, threatening their livelihoods. Additionally, these companies have engaged thousands of private bike riders, which is illegal under the MV Act," he added, saying while the strike was scheduled only for Monday, the protest would continue.
Devendra Jain, a businessman, who was affected by the strike said, "Generally, from airport to my Malviya Nagar home, app cabs charge around Rs 150 to 170.
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On Monday, I was surprised to find that no cabs were accepting bookings on any of the apps. When I found out there was a strike, I headed for the auto stand at the airport. The driver straightaway asked for Rs 400."
Some drivers continued operations despite the strike, taking advantage of increased fares. Union representatives intercepted operating vehicles, warning drivers without troubling passengers. In certain instances, they removed booking applications from the mobile devices of drivers.
The associations presented two primary demands: Revision of fares according to govt-prescribed rates and enhanced safety measures for both drivers and passengers.
"For car rental services, the govt has set a fare of Rs 25 per km and a minimum fare of Rs 150 within city limits. For outstation, it is fixed at Rs 12 per km. We want app cabs to charge fares based on this rate. From Tuesday, we are going to demonstrate in front of the commissionerate and on VT Road in Mansarovar," stated Sanjay Ratnu, president of Krantikar Taxi Drivers' Association, Jaipur.
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