Uber, Ola to remain off Mumbai streets as massive Azad Maidan rally planned today
The protest is being spearheaded by the Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch, which has raised several demands, including a ban on bike taxis, a cap on the number of black-and-yellow taxis and autorickshaws, and the creation of a welfare board for app-based drivers. The drivers are also pushing for the enactment of a 'Maharashtra Gig Workers' Act', inspired by similar laws in other states, to address the growing concerns over gig workers' rights and welfare.KN Kshirsagar, president of the Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch, said that nearly 70 per cent of app-based cabs have stayed off the roads, severely limiting ride availability and affecting daily commuters.Beyond commuter inconvenience, the strike has also raised safety concerns. Some citizens have reported that striking drivers are coercing their peers into joining the protest by stopping them from operating. The Chandivali Citizen Welfare Association shared an incident on social media showing cab drivers confronting a fellow driver who continued to work during the strike, fuelling debate over the ethics of protest tactics.Airports and railway stations have been particularly affected, with limited alternative transport options. The Mumbai airport operator has advised passengers to make travel arrangements in advance and explore alternatives to avoid delays.With no progress in government negotiations, the agitation appears set to continue, and the impact on commuters is likely to worsen unless the drivers' demands are meaningfully addressed.- Ends
IN THIS STORY#Mumbai
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
6 hours ago
- Mint
Waymo expands US robotaxi operations, taps Avis for Dallas fleet management
Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle firm Waymo has announced plans to launch its robotaxi service in Dallas next year, marking a strategic move to broaden its footprint across the United States. The company will operate in partnership with Avis Budget Group, which will manage fleet operations for the service. This partnership represents the first time Avis is directly involved in supporting a robotaxi fleet. Under the arrangement, customers will book rides through Waymo's mobile application, while Avis will be responsible for vehicle maintenance, infrastructure, readiness, and depot operations. The companies confirmed that the Dallas project is part of a multi-year agreement, with intentions to extend the collaboration to other US cities over time. Avis's involvement in robotaxi fleet services positions it as a potential rival to Uber and Lyft, both of which are also investing in autonomous vehicle operations through collaborations with technology partners. The announcement reflects the complex dynamic between Waymo and Uber, which act as both collaborators and competitors in the autonomous mobility space. Waymo currently operates ride services via its app in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, while also offering rides through Uber's app in Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta. In Austin and Atlanta, Waymo's fleet operations are handled by Avomo, a company backed by Uber. In Miami, where Waymo is set to launch next year, the company will rely on infrastructure support from Moove, another Uber-affiliated fleet manager. Dallas is expected to become a competitive market for autonomous ridesharing, with both Uber and Lyft planning their own driverless offerings. Uber is working with local startup Avride for a deployment later this year, while Lyft aims to roll out its service in collaboration with Mobileye, an Intel spin-off, in 2026. Waymo has been steadily expanding its presence in recent months. The firm recently extended its operational area in Austin and has commenced testing in New York City. It has also announced plans to begin trials in Philadelphia, signalling continued growth amid mounting competition, particularly from Tesla, which is also pursuing autonomous ride services. (With inputs from Bloomberg)
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
UAE: Driverless taxis now operating in two major Abu Dhabi islands, key info explained
Driverless taxis operating in Abu Dhabi's key urban zones as part of the city's smart mobility strategy/ Image: Abu Dhabi Media Office TL;DR Autonomous taxis now available in Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands Abu Dhabi is expanding its smart transport project with WeRide and Uber The service is growing quickly and expected to reach more areas soon In Abu Dhabi, driverless taxis are no longer just a trial on the outskirts, they're now running in two of the city's busiest and most important areas: Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands. These new routes mark a big step in the city's plan to grow a smart, AI-powered transport network. The service, which started in late 2024 with a small fleet on Saadiyat and Yas Islands, has expanded quickly. It now connects high-traffic business, residential, and financial zones with autonomous vehicles that you can hail through the Uber app. For commuters, it means a new, quieter way to get around. For the city, it's part of a long-term effort to reduce traffic, cut emissions, and use technology to improve daily life. Why These Islands? Al Reem and Al Maryah aren't just random stops. They're some of the busiest places in the city. Packed with offices, apartment towers, and shopping centers, these islands are a real test for self-driving systems. Roads are dense, traffic is unpredictable, and people are always moving. That's why authorities chose them, to show the tech can handle real city life, not just controlled environments. The goal isn't just about showcasing high-tech cars. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover Options For Affordable Back Pain Treatments Back Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo Abu Dhabi wants to make 1 in 4 trips in the city powered by smart transport by 2040. This includes everything from autonomous taxis to electric buses, and eventually more seamless public transport options that talk to each other. Who's Behind the Project? For now, the autonomous taxi fleet is still growing, but it's much bigger than it was just a few months ago. Multiple partners are working together to run the service. The Abu Dhabi Mobility (Integrated Transport Centre), the main government body is managing the project. It's operated in partnership with WeRide, a Chinese-American tech company that specializes in autonomous driving systems. Uber is handling bookings, and local company Tawasul runs the operations on the ground. If you order one of these cars on Uber, you might notice a few things are different. The vehicle drives itself, but some still have a safety operator on board, just in case. It won't feel like a robot car. It'll feel like a regular ride, just quieter, smoother, and with no small talk. The city says these vehicles are packed with safety tools: sensors, cameras, emergency systems. And they're being tested constantly. So far, there's been no public safety incident related to the service. What's the Bigger Plan? What's happening in Abu Dhabi isn't just a showcase for cutting-edge vehicles. It's part of a wider shift happening in how cities think about transportation. Urban planning here is focused on sustainability, livability, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. That means fewer cars, more public transport, and smarter ways to connect neighborhoods. And it's not just Abu Dhabi. Cities around the world are experimenting with AI-powered mobility, but this city has moved faster than most. It's now the first in the MENA region to operate a commercial fleet of autonomous taxis, with 44 vehicles on the roads and more coming soon. What Comes Next The city isn't stopping here. More areas across Abu Dhabi Island are in line to receive autonomous taxi services in the coming months. Officials say this is part of a broader smart mobility push, one that connects AI with real public needs. As the tech improves, it's expected that these taxis will no longer need backup drivers. And if the rollout stays on track, it won't be long before hailing a driverless ride feels as normal as taking the bus.
Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Indian Express
Maharashtra govt to launch ride-hailing app to compete with Ola, Uber
The Maharashtra government will soon introduce an app-based autorickshaw, taxi, and e-bike service aimed at creating jobs for local youth, particularly those from the Marathi-speaking belt, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Monday. The service that would be operated under the state transport department would offer a competition for the private players in the sector, which is currently dominated by private cab aggregator platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido, according to Sarnik. The proposal has received an in-principle nod from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, but the clearance from the Cabinet is expected soon, Sarnaik said. Sarnaik, who is also the chairman of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), said the app-based aggregator platform for the state is almost complete, and the government is deliberating on names such as Jai Maharashtra, Maha-Ride, Maha-Yatri, or Maha-Go for the app. The app is being developed in collaboration with institutions such as the Maharashtra Institute for Transport Technology and Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), with private players in consultation. 'This will not only offer comfortable travel for commuters but also generate employment for thousands of youngsters in Maharashtra,' Sarnaik said, adding that all terms in the Centre's aggregator policy guidelines are being adhered to. The government plans to check the monopoly and ensure transparency in fare levels and drivers' benefits, officials from the transport department said. The app will offer services by auto-rickshaws, taxis, and e-bikes in towns and cities. Officials indicated that the platform will also be made compatible with the Central Government's Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020, which stipulate safety, accountability, and fare regulation standards for digital transport aggregators. 'The government has the technical knowledge, infrastructure, and manpower. This model, if well implemented, will serve the interests of both service providers and users,' he added.
