Ola-Uber Taxi Fares to Increase in Ahmedabad: Strike Ends with Drivers Getting Rs 20/Km
Taxis operate on the streets of Ahmedabad through online applications like Ola and Uber, along with city taxi services that are easily accessible to passengers. Autorickshaws are synonymous with Ahmedabad. However, yesterday, at the airport, autorickshaw and taxi drivers protested against the illegal operation of white number plate two-wheelers through online applications. The issue was resolved when the company promised to pay higher fares to taxi drivers, directly impacting passengers who book Ola and Uber taxis. Ola agreed to pay drivers ₹20 per kilometer.
Uber Drivers Disapprove 30% Hike by the Company
Yesterday evening, taxi drivers of Ahmedabad gathered at Ahmedabad Airport. Ola drivers called off their strike from the previous night, and it’s likely that Uber drivers will follow suit. However, leaders are still trying to convince Uber drivers not to operate their taxis. Uber previously paid drivers per kilometer based on the type of vehicle, with amounts like ₹10, ₹12, or ₹15 per kilometer. Now, the company proposed a 30% hike, which the drivers have not accepted, potentially leading to fewer Uber taxis for passengers in the coming days. Nevertheless, other taxi drivers will try to persuade those taking Uber rides to understand the situation.
Passengers Bear the Burden of Fare Increase
Ola has now agreed to pay taxi drivers ₹20 per kilometer, meaning passengers will have to pay more for their rides due to added GST and other taxes by the drivers. Ultimately, passengers will bear the brunt of the fare increase, resulting in higher travel costs.
Only Regular Drivers Will Benefit
Kishore Chaudhary, leader of the Ahmedabad City Taxi Union, told Divya Bhaskar that the days have been tough for drivers taking rides through these applications since the Ola and Uber drivers’ strike began. Other drivers occasionally dropped off passengers mid-ride to support the strike, but city taxi drivers did not support the Ola and Uber strike. However, if these online application companies increase the per kilometer rate, it would benefit regular drivers, although passengers would face higher costs.
Taxi Drivers Started Strike from Evening of July 24
On July 24, autorickshaw and taxi drivers in Ahmedabad announced a strike. However, there was a conflict between the autorickshaw and taxi drivers. Ola and Uber drivers decided not to support the strike on the night of July 23, but city taxi drivers did. On July 24, the Ahmedabad RTO imposed fines on two-wheeler drivers. Due to the lack of a fare increase from Ola and Uber, taxi drivers began their strike from the evening of July 24, causing a split among them. City taxi drivers continued to serve passengers as usual, while Ola and Uber drivers maintained their strike.
