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Business Standard
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
BluSmart drivers look to join other platforms, but struggle with costs
Investors, competitors, and buyout firms are lining up to take over the electric vehicles leased by cab-hailing company BluSmart, but it is the drivers who are still getting the short end of the stick. A majority of BluSmart drivers, who were left in limbo after the electric cab-hailing company halted operations last month, are now queuing up at Evera and Everest Fleet — a major fleet partner for Uber — in hopes of finding work. However, entry barriers, such as daily rentals and security deposits, have left many of them stranded, deepening their financial distress. Several drivers told Business Standard they were asked to pay security deposits ranging from Rs 5,180 to Rs 20,180, in addition to daily rentals of Rs 300 to Rs 1,050. Sanjay Sagar, who joined BluSmart in 2022, said he recently enquired about job opportunities at Everest Fleet. He mentioned that for Uber Green, the electric vehicle (EV) cab service of the platform, the company asked for a security amount of Rs 3,500 and a daily rent of nearly Rs 1,450. "If we assume that the company gives us work of Rs 3,000, there is still not enough left for us. We can not work for 14-16 hours a day to earn more. In addition, several rides are low-cost (maybe between Rs 100-200), you may spend 8-9 hours and earn only Rs 1,400, which you need to give to the company as rent," Sagar pointed out. For Uber Black, the premium car service option from Uber, Everest Fleet currently gives a monthly payout of Rs 25,000 to the drivers, and initially charges Rs 1,000 for creating an ID and for documentation purposes, Sagar said. However, he added that the waiting time for securing these cars is up to a month as the company may be running out of stock. Siddharth Ladsariya, founder and chief executive officer at Everest Fleet, agreed that BluSmart drivers have been queueing up. To address this influx, the company has come up with a new model where they are not taking any deposits but are hiring drivers on a salary basis. "At Everest Fleet, drivers can choose between fixed or variable compensation models. The fixed payout model offers a base salary along with incentives and accommodation, while the variable model allows drivers to retain additional earnings, which vary depending on the car model and include charging costs," he said, adding that many drivers have opted for the variable model. Everest Fleet, to date, has onboarded over 350 BluSmart drivers across Delhi's National Capital Region (NCR), Mumbai, and Bengaluru. "We operate a fleet of over 20,000 cars. Bengaluru alone accounts for around 11,000 vehicles, giving us significant capacity to absorb more drivers," Ladsariya said. Apart from Everest Fleet, EV cab-hailing firm Evera is also hiring BluSmart drivers. "We have hired about 150 drivers and may need 150-200 more. Evera is paying a fixed amount of Rs 200 per trip to the drivers," a company executive said. But drivers continue to face challenges while trying to join any other platform. Echoing Sagar's thoughts, Rashmi (name changed), a woman driver, said, "The rent per day for Uber Green is around Rs 1,400. We also give a security amount. However, the amount is only refundable if we work for at least three months. What if I am unable to continuously work? The security amount will be lost."
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
BluSmart drivers protest over unpaid dues, demand jobs after shutdown
Hundreds of BluSmart driver partners have begun protests across Delhi-NCR, demanding compensation and alternative employment, weeks after the EV ride-hailing platform abruptly halted operations. The drivers — many of whom describe BluSmart as the best platform they've worked with — said they were left in the lurch with no formal communication from the company and no clarity on pending payments. Over 10,000 drivers across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai are estimated to be affected. 'We made BluSmart what it is. Why are we the ones left to suffer?' said Sanjay Sagar, who has been with the platform since 2022. 'We were not at fault.' The protests come after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) barred BluSmart cofounders Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi from accessing the securities markets and holding board positions over allegations of fund siphoning and document forgery in their solar EPC firm, Gensol Engineering — which is closely linked to BluSmart. 'No payment, no explanation' Driver partners said they were earlier paid weekly, with a structure that provided Rs 8,000 if their weekly earnings exceeded Rs 20,000, plus additional incentives based on customer ratings. However, incentives reportedly declined in recent months, with some drivers alleging the money was diverted for personal use by the founders. Several drivers told ETtech that their last payments were delayed or not received at all. 'We got a message saying the cars were being held at hubs for an audit. Since then, nothing,' said Tarisha Kumar, a 21-year-old driver from Delhi. 'Other platforms don't even onboard women drivers easily.' BluSmart had over 300 women drivers in the capital, many of whom are now struggling to find new jobs. 'It's easier for male drivers, but women — especially single mothers — are left behind,' added Kumar. Some of BluSmart's vehicles were reportedly seized by banks or acquired by rival electric cab players such as Evera. 'No legal safety net' Gig Workers Association's organising secretary, Nitesh Kumar Das, said the company abandoned drivers without compensation. 'This is unjust. These people built the company with their labour. There must be a law to prevent such exploitation.' Many driver partners are now facing acute financial stress, especially those who were sole breadwinners. One Gurgaon-based driver said he is struggling to pay school fees for his daughter, with no job in hand and no clarity on future prospects. BluSmart has not issued any official statement since halting operations.
Economic Times
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Times
BluSmart drivers protest over unpaid dues, demand jobs after shutdown
Live Events Hundreds of BluSmart driver partners have begun protests across Delhi-NCR, demanding compensation and alternative employment, weeks after the EV ride-hailing platform abruptly halted operations The drivers — many of whom describe BluSmart as the best platform they've worked with — said they were left in the lurch with no formal communication from the company and no clarity on pending payments. Over 10,000 drivers across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai are estimated to be affected.'We made BluSmart what it is. Why are we the ones left to suffer?' said Sanjay Sagar, who has been with the platform since 2022. 'We were not at fault.'The protests come after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) barred BluSmart cofounders Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi from accessing the securities markets and holding board positions over allegations of fund siphoning and document forgery in their solar EPC firm, Gensol Engineering — which is closely linked to partners said they were earlier paid weekly, with a structure that provided Rs 8,000 if their weekly earnings exceeded Rs 20,000, plus additional incentives based on customer ratings. However, incentives reportedly declined in recent months, with some drivers alleging the money was diverted for personal use by the drivers told ETtech that their last payments were delayed or not received at all. 'We got a message saying the cars were being held at hubs for an audit. Since then, nothing,' said Tarisha Kumar, a 21-year-old driver from Delhi. 'Other platforms don't even onboard women drivers easily.'BluSmart had over 300 women drivers in the capital, many of whom are now struggling to find new jobs. 'It's easier for male drivers, but women — especially single mothers — are left behind,' Kumar of BluSmart's vehicles were reportedly seized by banks or acquired by rival electric cab players such as Workers Association's organising secretary, Nitesh Kumar Das, said the company abandoned drivers without compensation. 'This is unjust. These people built the company with their labour. There must be a law to prevent such exploitation.'Many driver partners are now facing acute financial stress, especially those who were sole breadwinners. One Gurgaon-based driver said he is struggling to pay school fees for his daughter, with no job in hand and no clarity on future has not issued any official statement since halting operations.
Business Mayor
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Mayor
BluSmart drivers protest over unpaid dues, demand jobs after shutdown
The drivers — many of whom describe BluSmart as the best platform they've worked with — said they were left in the lurch with no formal communication from the company and no clarity on pending payments. Over 10,000 drivers across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai are estimated to be affected.'We made BluSmart what it is. Why are we the ones left to suffer?' said Sanjay Sagar, who has been with the platform since 2022. 'We were not at fault.' The protests come after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) barred BluSmart cofounders Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi from accessing the securities markets and holding board positions over allegations of fund siphoning and document forgery in their solar EPC firm, Gensol Engineering — which is closely linked to BluSmart. Also Read: ICAI likely to complete review of Gensol Engg, BluSmart Mobility's fin statements in 6 months 'No payment, no explanation' Driver partners said they were earlier paid weekly, with a structure that provided Rs 8,000 if their weekly earnings exceeded Rs 20,000, plus additional incentives based on customer ratings. However, incentives reportedly declined in recent months, with some drivers alleging the money was diverted for personal use by the founders. Several drivers told ETtech that their last payments were delayed or not received at all. 'We got a message saying the cars were being held at hubs for an audit. Since then, nothing,' said Tarisha Kumar, a 21-year-old driver from Delhi. 'Other platforms don't even onboard women drivers easily.' BluSmart had over 300 women drivers in the capital, many of whom are now struggling to find new jobs. 'It's easier for male drivers, but women — especially single mothers — are left behind,' Kumar added. Some of BluSmart's vehicles were reportedly seized by banks or acquired by rival electric cab players such as Evera. 'No legal safety net' Gig Workers Association's organising secretary, Nitesh Kumar Das, said the company abandoned drivers without compensation. 'This is unjust. These people built the company with their labour. There must be a law to prevent such exploitation.' Many driver partners are now facing acute financial stress, especially those who were sole breadwinners. One Gurgaon-based driver said he is struggling to pay school fees for his daughter, with no job in hand and no clarity on future prospects. BluSmart has not issued any official statement since halting operations.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
BluSmart drivers protest over unpaid dues, demand jobs after shutdown
BluSmart drivers in Delhi-NCR are protesting after the EV ride-hailing platform abruptly ceased operations, leaving them without pay or explanation. Over 10,000 drivers across multiple cities are affected, with many facing financial hardship. The protests follow allegations against BluSmart's cofounders and highlight the lack of legal protection for gig workers. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in TechMore ≫ Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Hundreds of BluSmart driver partners have begun protests across Delhi-NCR, demanding compensation and alternative employment, weeks after the EV ride-hailing platform abruptly halted operations The drivers — many of whom describe BluSmart as the best platform they've worked with — said they were left in the lurch with no formal communication from the company and no clarity on pending payments. Over 10,000 drivers across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai are estimated to be affected.'We made BluSmart what it is. Why are we the ones left to suffer?' said Sanjay Sagar, who has been with the platform since 2022. 'We were not at fault.'The protests come after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) barred BluSmart cofounders Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi from accessing the securities markets and holding board positions over allegations of fund siphoning and document forgery in their solar EPC firm, Gensol Engineering — which is closely linked to partners said they were earlier paid weekly, with a structure that provided Rs 8,000 if their weekly earnings exceeded Rs 20,000, plus additional incentives based on customer ratings. However, incentives reportedly declined in recent months, with some drivers alleging the money was diverted for personal use by the drivers told ETtech that their last payments were delayed or not received at all. 'We got a message saying the cars were being held at hubs for an audit. Since then, nothing,' said Tarisha Kumar, a 21-year-old driver from Delhi. 'Other platforms don't even onboard women drivers easily.'BluSmart had over 300 women drivers in the capital, many of whom are now struggling to find new jobs. 'It's easier for male drivers, but women — especially single mothers — are left behind,' Kumar of BluSmart's vehicles were reportedly seized by banks or acquired by rival electric cab players such as Workers Association's organising secretary, Nitesh Kumar Das, said the company abandoned drivers without compensation. 'This is unjust. These people built the company with their labour. There must be a law to prevent such exploitation.'Many driver partners are now facing acute financial stress, especially those who were sole breadwinners. One Gurgaon-based driver said he is struggling to pay school fees for his daughter, with no job in hand and no clarity on future has not issued any official statement since halting operations.
