Some driver-partners of the cab aggregator services went on strike on Tuesday demanding an increase in fare. They also demanded that the customers be KYC approved as there have been many cases of assault on the cab drivers.
Some driver-partners of the cab aggregator services went on strike on Tuesday demanding an increase in fare. They also demanded that the customers be KYC approved as there have been many cases of assault on the cab drivers.
Passengers using Ola and Uber were inconvenienced on Tuesday as some driver-partners of the cab aggregators went on a strike. The drivers have threatened a bigger agitation on October 22 if their demands regarding raising fares and KYC (Know Your Customer) verification of passengers is not implemented.
"There have been a lot of cases where passengers have attacked and robbed us. Sometimes, they are drunk and abuse us," Sumit, a driver, said. "We feel it's important that their identities are checked using KYC. Why only drivers should be subjected to checks?" he asked.
The main demand of the striking drivers is an increase on the fare to Rs 16 per km. They also want speed governors installed in their vehicles to be removed. "The distance limit of 200 km per day must be done away with immediately. Those drivers who have been penalized should be refunded. Those removed, must also be reinstated back on duty," a driver Neelesh Kumar said.
On their demand list is also that the company should take its commission from the customer and not the driver. The daily instalments of the cars must be reduced and the vehicles must not be taken back till the agreement with the driver is not over.
They also want that the companies arrange for insurance of the drivers and their ESI/health cards. A spokesperson from Uber said, "The strike was held by very few drivers. It did not have any bearing on our functioning at all."