Hyderabad: Uber drivers disrupt COO's conference

Hyderabad: Uber cab drivers barged into the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited-Uber partnership event on Thursday protesting against fewer payments. During the first visit of Uber COO Barney Harford to Hyderabad, two cab drivers gate crashed into the press conference and protested over soaring fuel prices and fewer payments eating away their earnings.

While Mr. Harford was escorted out of the conference mid-way, the drivers demanded justice.  

HMRL tied up with Uber for providing first and last mile connectivity through which it will set up kiosks at all stations. As the agreement was being exchanged, two drivers barged in wearing black badges demanding justice.  The COO and the drivers were escorted out of the press conference. However, the drivers continued their protest while being escorted.

U. Sidharath Goud an Uber cab driver said, “Initially for 12 trips, Uber used to pay us Rs 4,000 but now for 40 trips they are paying only Rs 1,250. In Maharashtra, for 40 trips, they are getting Rs 14000. With such huge difference, how will we survive?”

He alleged that Uber is playing with lives of people as new rules for Uber pool has been announced and fines are being imposed on the drivers if they do not pick up the phone. He added: As many as 17 debt-ridden drivers have attempted suicide but neither the government nor companies are doing anything for us."