Commuters seek better app-based cab services

HYDERABAD: Long waits, cancellation of trips, unpopular destinations, online payment and lack of accountability are among the problems being faced by city residents who depend on app-based cab aggregators for transport.

They said that the problems get compounded on the weekend due to a sharp rise in demand.

Over the past few months, day-to-day activities have reverted to the normalcy of pre-Covid times — offices resuming work in person, shoppers queuing up to hit malls and an increase in social gatherings — which have increased the demand for cabs.

“The waiting for the cab after booking is around half an hour sometimes. It is so irritating to get a cab. Previously, it was a pleasant mode of commute but now, it has become a task,” said E. Santosh, an IT professional.

 Vadiraj, a city resident, said, “After a cab is booked, the driver calls up and enquires if the mode of payment cash or online. If the answer is online, they mostly cancel. To cancel the trip, they have plenty of excuses, such as vehicle issues, traffic jam, etc.”

 The Telangana Gig and Platform workers’ union attributed the issues to a dip in the number of cabs since the Covid-19 lockdowns were imposed.

“Presently, the number of cabs is between 40,000 and 60,000, which is less. Before the nationwide lockdown, there were around 1.25 lakh cabs to meet the city’s requirement. During the lockdown, most of these vehicles were seized and the drivers are not eligible for the loans as their CIBIL scores are bad.”

 Commuters, on the other hand, said that even if they are prepared to wait, there should be more accountability on the cab operators, as they are not assured of a booking despite being ready to pay a surge fee.