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Hyderabad cab drivers say no to airport trips, claim aggregators drastically reducing fares
Drivers associated with cab aggregators say the government should regulate these companies, ensuring their fares match those of prepaid taxis.
3 min read
The drivers argue that inflation needs to be considered by the companies when they drastically reduce fares under competitive pressures, and benefit companies as well as customers, leaving drivers at a loss. (File Photo)Cab drivers in Hyderabad affiliated with ride-hailing platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido continued to refuse trips to and from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad Tuesday. This protest followed a campaign they launched Monday against the low fares, which they said have significantly affected their livelihoods. Moreover, drivers are getting ready to escalate their protest by launching a ‘No-AC’ campaign, saying they would not turn on the air-conditioner while on the trip.
“No cabs are off the roads, but about 40,000 have decided to boycott the trips to and from international airports. The fares are currently very low despite multiple representations to the airport authorities and the government. The transport department had issued a government order for prepaid taxis, and we demand that it be implemented to all cabs, including aggregator platforms,” said Shaik Salauddin, founder-president of Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU).
Nagesh Kumar, who resides in Uppal and takes 15 to 18 daily trips in the city, said, “While the customer is paying a high price, there is hardly any benefit to the drivers. The company takes up to 30 per cent as commission, while the fuel, spares, maintenance, and the cab are mine. I get the same amount as earlier, whereas prepaid taxi drivers get Rs 21 per km during the day and Rs 27 during the night. What I earn is hardly Rs 9 to 12 per km,” Nagesh Kumar told indianexpress.com.
Further, he added that an entire day would be wasted if he took a trip to the airport. “I get about Rs 250 in one airport trip, and I have to wait for four to five hours before I get a return ride. After that, I won’t have more than two more trips, and I will earn about Rs 500 to Rs 600 a day. Instead, I can stay in the city and make 15 to 18 short trips,” adds Kumar, noting that drivers like him have been fighting for a fare hike in the last three to four years.
The drivers argue that inflation needs to be considered by the companies when they drastically reduce fares under competitive pressures, and benefit companies as well as customers, leaving drivers at a loss.
“Inflation is on the rise with every passing year. The government should decide the fares. Our fares should not be less than what prepaid taxis are provided with. The transport department should regulate the aggregator companies as well. They have been operating across Telangana without a government licence for the last 15 years,” Salauddin said.
TGPWU demands that the government immediately establish a uniform fare structure to ensure fair pay and sustainable livelihoods for all gig and platform workers. “Our members have consistently voiced their grievances about exploitative fare structures. These low fares compromise driver earnings and devalue their time and efforts. The government must take immediate steps to implement a uniform fare policy that is fair to drivers and passengers,” said Salauddin. He added that they are raising awareness among passengers about the challenges gig and platform workers face.
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Similar protests were held by cab drivers in the summer of 2022 and 2023 as well.
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