App-based Drivers’ Strike Hits Commuters
Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha said that drivers of app-based taxis and autorickshaws across the country will observe a nationwide one-day strike on February 7
Hyderabad: Commuters faced inconvenience on Saturday following a bandh by drivers associated with app-based platforms such as Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter and other gig transport services. The impact was largely confined to the morning, when commuters reporting long waiting times and surge pricing.
Passengers said it took nearly an hour to secure a ride, leading to increased fares due to heightened demand. The impact was relatively muted in the IT corridor as most offices observed a weekend holiday. In the absence of special services, many commuters opted for public transport.
TGRTC officials said footfall on Saturday remained on par with regular weekends. The Hyderabad Metro Rail authorities said, “There was no significant change in passenger numbers on Saturday; traffic remained as usual.”
The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport had advised passengers in advance about the bandh. Several local passengers opted to be picked up by family members. The airport prepaid taxi service reported higher usage. One of its drivers, Mohd Lateef, said, “About 250 prepaid cabs operate at the airport, and many of them made additional trips, earning extra income.”
Moses Paul, a bank employee, said, “It took over an hour in the morning to get an auto, forcing me to use my own transport to reach my office in Koti from Mettuguda.”
The nationwide bandh was called by gig transport workers to protest alleged government inaction and fare practices by app-based aggregators. The protest was backed by recognised driver unions.
Several affected commuters took to social media to voice their grievances over increased fares and prolonged waiting times. Posting on X, one user said, “Despite booking an intercity ride in advance and waiting nearly two hours, drivers kept cancelling, with no accountability or support from the service providers.”
Satvik Kumar, a college student from Trimulgherry, waited for nearly an hour after booking a ride but received no response. He said nearby taxi and auto drivers declined the trip.
Another user, Anuj, posted on X, “The prices were high, from the Airport around 7.30 pm, the fare which was usally ₹700 to ₹800 for a cab, mounted to between ₹2,000 and ₹2,500.”
Aditya Kumar Singh contributed to the story
