Ola, Uber Mumbai Strike: Drivers Up In Arms Over Steep Deductions, Demand Per Km Remuneration

Commuters in Mumbai faced difficulties for the second day running as a large section of Ola and Uber cab drivers went on strike on July 15, demanding fare regulation. The strike has continued into its second day.

The drivers are protesting against the high commission rates charged by cab aggregators like Ola and Uber. For instance, if a passenger pays Rs 500 for a ride, a significant portion is deducted by the platforms—an amount the drivers find unreasonable.

The protest is currently taking place at Azad Maidan, and driver unions are scheduled to meet representatives from Ola and Uber at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday.

There have been multiple reports of passengers being asked to de-board across Mumbai. In some instances, verified by NDTV Profit, cab drivers were threatened and asked to deboard passengers.

Mohit (name changed), a cab driver from Navi Mumbai told NDTV Profit, "We have just one demand from Ola and Uber— to give us a fixed rate per kilometer. Five years, back when we started working for the companies we had a fixed rate that was decided by the government."

He further explained the demand:

The cab unions have met Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik at Vidhan Sabha yesterday, who promised to come up with a solution in 15 days. "Such promises were made to us before as well, hence we want a permanent solution this time," said Mohit.

He also informed that the cab drivers unions are set to met representatives from Ola and Uber today. "Their senior representative from Bengaluru is set to visit Mumabai today," he said.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik posted images of his meeting with cab drivers on Tuesday. "In the backdrop of allegations made by rickshaw, taxi, and cab driver-owner organizations due to Ola-Uber and other app-based services, I personally listened to the concerns of the protesters today. Their demands are reasonable, and I have assured them that the government will make appropriate changes in the new policy," he wrote.

"It has always been my endeavor to ensure that the rights of small and large businesses are protected and that they receive justice for their livelihood. I am committed to finding a solution by fostering coordination between the government and the driver-owners," he further wrote.

In a video seen by NDTV Profit, cab driver's Union leader Keshav Kshirsagar at Azad Maidan protest yesterday was heard talking about,"Until the rates are increased as per our demand we will keep the strike on."

He also urged the union people to make the drivers who don't follow the strike understand like a younger brother, "a elder brother can slap his younger brother if he doesn't listen."

Meanwhile, social media has also been flooded with such instances and complaints about delay in getting cabs, cancellation and deboarding.

Some users also posted about the harassment received by those not participating in the strike.