The autorickshaw and cab drivers have begun their two-day strike in Delhi-NCR today, August 22, demanding better compensation from cab aggregator services.
About 80 per cent of the auto rickshaws and taxis were off road in the Capital today, Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Congress Union (DATTCU) president Kishan Verma claimed. He added that a protest will be held at the Jantar Mantar.
What are their demands?
The auto and taxis unions said that their livelihood has taken a hit due to inadequate compensation along with aggregators launching bike taxi services.
A cab driver demanded a ban on bike taxis which offer the services on the apps using non-commercial numberplates. He said that the government should intervene and ban the “commercial plying of vehicles with non-commercial numberplates”, adding that it is becoming difficult for them to make ends meet.
Another cab driver said, “The companies offer us very less rate for our services. Due to this, we are unable to pay the installments of our vehicles and meet other expenses. We are unable to ensure good education for our children and sufficient food for our families.”
Meanwhile, commuters in Delhi-NCR witnessed their cabs and auto rides being cancelled. Some even turned to social media to complain about the cancellations.
“Spent the last 35 mins trying to get a cab in Noida for Delhi. What’s wrong with @Olacabs @Uber_India @rapidobikeapp,” an X user wrote.
Another X user, Kshitiz Agarwal said, “Is it only me or uber doesn’t work anymore now? Couldn’t find a uber cab for 30 mins nowadays even at posh localities like south extension, new delhi #uber #ola.”
(With PTI inputs)