Bengaluru: A day after the revised cab fares were announced by the Transport Department, cab aggregators and other taxis witnessed a sharp dip in passengers on Thursday. This is despite the fact that cab operators have still not started charging new tariffs.
As per a report submitted by drivers to Karnataka Taxi Owners’ Federation, there was a 50 per cent drop in business for Ola and Uber cabs on Thursday, said Tanveer Pasha, President.
“On hearing about revision of fares, passengers turned to hailing autos, metro and buses. Drivers said they usually get 8-15 rides a day, but got only 3-4 bookings on Thursday," Pasha said. He observed that the decision has helped neither the commuters nor drivers.
Somashekar, leader of Namma Chalakkara Trade Union, said, "I attach myself to both cab aggregators and got fewer rides. The prices have not been increased yet, but drivers are getting messages from the companies, notifying them about the development."
Pasha said the driver and cab owner unions are going to protest as the drivers stand to lose the benefit of new fares through higher commission.
"They are supposed to categorize cars according to seating capacity, not purchase value. We are planning to conduct a token protest on Saturday and submit a memorandum to the Transport Department. We will take further action based on their response," Pasha said.
Somashekar feared the taxi business is going to be badly hit, but he lamented that the Government never listens to drivers’ grievances. The government and cab companies wake up only when passengers stop using cabs, he added.
Transport Commissioner Dayanand told Deccan Chronicle, “There was no discussion on Thursday regarding cab fares and they are fixed. The new rates do not have a bearing on share, pool rides. That is still a grey area and we have written to the Centre seeking clarification."
Ola and Uber did not respond to queries from Deccan Chronicle whether they have implemented revised fares or when they plan to do so.
