Thiruvananthapuram: Online taxi drivers bemoan loss

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rumours of Reliance entering the online taxi business with their own cars have triggered apprehensions among taxi drivers, who claim they are already hit by recent incentive cuts by online taxi giant Uber. Around 1,500 cabbies in the capital city have been lamenting about falling profits, as Uber recently announced the revision of its earlier incentives of 65 percent to 85 percent to 40 percent to 45 percent. While many joined the Ola bandwagon in protest, the payment by the Indian online taxi service provider has been erratic, they say. Reliance plans to run taxis using hired drivers as per reports in business portals.

“Operating online taxis has become less beneficial. Many of us have taken new cars and we are desperate to pay off the loan. The problem with Ola is that many of the cancellations by passengers are classified as Driver Denied Duty (DDD). This blocks payment. Uber has cut down incentives,” a driver said. Interestingly many drivers work for both companies. “During our strike in January second week, an agreement was reached with Uber that they will increase incentives. But they retaliated by blocking many drivers on Uber driver’s application for four days. We are having trouble in even paying off loans,” said Mr OV Sunil, district president of Online Taxi Drivers Union.   

As per sources around 150 of drivers attached themselves to Ola soon after the strike. They are negotiating with Ola to improve the payment mechanism. However, daily several new drivers attach themselves to Uber. “There has been no effect on the availability of cars in our pool. Also we have not promised them any revision in incentives,” a top brass with Uber said. "While those owning new taxi vehicles are scared about Reliance business plan, many who have old vehicles look at the company as a possible employer," a driver hailing from Peyad said.

Police ‘saves’ online taxis

Attacks on online taxis have been come down at places like Kazhakoottam and Thampanoor after police threatened to cancel permits of “defiant” autorickshaw and taxi drivers. Physical assaults on online taxi drivers have reduced but not other mischief like planting nails to deflate tyres of online cabs in and around Kazhakoottam. “The informal arrangement was online cabs keep off places where ricks are available. However, some online taxis pick up people on receiving alerts,” admitted an online taxi driver.

There had been incidents of violence on online taxis at Menamkulam, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Peepul park area in Technopark and at Thiruvanathapuram Central Railway Station. Police help desks including the ones at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway station record complaints of intimidation by auto drivers and cancel permits. “We have provisions to recommend action against taxi drivers who engage in criminal activities and their permits can be cancelled by RTO,” said city police commissioner Sparjan Kumar.