Cab Drivers’ Strike Enters Fourth Day in Vizag

 Visakhapatnam: The indefinite strike by cab and auto-rickshaw drivers in Visakhapatnam entered its fourth day on Saturday, affecting commuter services across the city.

The protest, led by drivers associated with Ola, Uber and Rapido under the banner of the Visakhapatnam Cab Drivers’ Union (CITU), has been centred at the airport and continued despite heavy rain.

The drivers are demanding a reduction in commission charges levied by app-based aggregator companies and a revision of minimum fares. Union leaders said the protest had remained peaceful but alleged that the state government had not initiated steps to resolve their grievances.

They said discussions with Ola had made some progress, while talks with Uber and Rapido were yet to begin.

Visakhapatnam Cab Drivers’ Union honorary president B. Jagan urged the government to intervene and facilitate discussions with all aggregator companies. He also called for implementation of the Andhra Pradesh Aggregator Rules in a manner that protects the interests of cab drivers and gig workers.

Union leaders warned that the agitation would be intensified and extended across the state if their demands were not addressed.

The strike has affected app-based transport services in the city, resulting in inconvenience to commuters.

Union president G. Srinivas, general secretary K. Polinaidu and other office-bearers, including Rama Rao, Nageswara Rao, Srinu, Anand, Michael and Murali, participated in the protest and said the agitation would continue until their demands were met.