Kerala Online Taxi Drivers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Fare Demands

As part of the strike, cabs operating in association with Uber, Ola, Rapido and Kerala Sawari will go offline, according to the announcement.

Fair fare revision and discontinuation of bike taxi services are among the main demands. Drivers allege that the strike was triggered after companies withdrew fare hikes that had earlier been granted following previous protests. They said they are now seeking a written guarantee this time.

Passengers who depend on online cab services are likely to face travel difficulties in various parts of the state due to the strike.

As part of the protest, cars operating on online platforms went completely offline from the morning. Drivers said it was the withdrawal of previously granted temporary fare hikes — offered after earlier protests — that pushed them back into strike action.

Workers have taken the stand that services will not resume until they receive a written assurance on their demands. A large section of passengers who rely solely on online taxis are expected to be hit hard by the strike.

The protest, which began today with demands including fare revision and the end of bike taxi services, saw Uber, Ola, Rapido and Kerala Sawari-affiliated cabs go offline as part of the strike. The 11-point charter of demands includes fair fare revision and stopping bike taxi operations. Drivers say the withdrawal of fare hikes that had been granted as a resolution during earlier protests pushed them to strike again, and they are now demanding a written guarantee. With cars being taken offline in large numbers from the morning, many who depend on online cabs faced difficulties.