“The way auto and taxi drivers refuse fare left, right and centre, I wonder if being sympathetic to their cause is justified. Ever wondered why they have become so choosy and arrogant?” an angry colleague summed up his feelings when we heard that the city’s taxi and auto unions would strike work on Tuesday to oppose an app-based taxi services. We’re told all unions are together this time.

The feelings that the colleague had against the erring auto and taxi have found resonance with city commuters simply because things haven’t changed for a traditional black and yellow taxi business. They have replaced old taxis with new ones, but haven’t changed their dirty business tactics. They haven’t replaced a sheer dadagiri with some courtesy. They are still far from being called professionals. And yet, they have been aggressive in getting fares revised. They protest when the transport and police departments take action against them. They have been abusing the trade union power to make the commuters’ ride and life physically uncomfortable and mentally disturbing.

But when the city is offered convenience, comfort and no hassles, thanks to some 30,000 app-based taxis, which, for the time being are going the extra mile to ensure commuters’ satisfaction, the black and yellow and cool cab operators see red. Why? The reason is simple. More and more commuters are preferring app-based service because it not only caters to their basic needs but also adds value to their ride, albeit expensive than black and yellow cars. Agreed that app-based taxis do not accept short rides, but their longer rides offer quality that no other competition — even fleet taxis that were introduced to the city much before app-based taxis - have been able to offer. It’s a win-win situation for commuters and app-based operators.