Several incidents were reported across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region where striking drivers allegedly stopped cabs and autos mid-journey, forcing passengers to get off and disrupting services
The cab drivers protesting at Azad Maidan. Pics/Rajendra B Aklekar
OLA and Uber drivers across Maharashtra went on strike on Tuesday, converging in Mumbai to demand rationalisation of fares and other key reforms. Thousands gathered at Azad Maidan for the protest, which also saw participation from gig workers of food delivery apps. Several incidents were reported across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region where striking drivers allegedly stopped cabs and autos mid-journey, forcing passengers to get off and disrupting services.
The protesters' five key demands included:
>> Rationalisation of fares
>> Parity with meter cab rates
>> A strict ban on bike taxis
>> A cap on cab and auto permits
>> Activation of the welfare board for drivers and implementation of the Maharashtra Gig Workers’ Act
“Despite bans, bike taxis continue to operate. The transport department takes no action. There’s no rule of law,” said one protesting cab driver. “We are being bullied and cheated by aggregator companies. We refuse to suffer in silence anymore,” said another angry driver who had come from Nagpur.
Commuters shared distressing experiences of being forced out of cabs during their rides. Sikandar Shaikh, a commuter, said, “Four to five men were stopping Ola and Uber cabs at Vikhroli LBS Road, making drivers end trips and threatening to beat them or damage their vehicles if they didn’t comply.”
Another commuter said, “In Uran, Ola drivers were threatening and assaulting other drivers, warning them against picking up passengers. I finally managed to find an auto after a long wait.”
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