Hyderabad: The period from Christmas to the dawn of the New Year was like jackpot time for cab drivers and freelance drivers as they could earn up to Rs 5000 per day given the heavy bookings during the season.
Alas, things have become so miserable for them this year that even taking home Rs1,000 at the end of the day sounds like a bonus.
The demand for cabs increased as they can be booked on myriad apps. With many parties lined up from Christmas onwards, the demand for drivers grew by leaps and bounds. The strict checking for drunken driving cases added to the demand for private drivers.
However, the fear of the new Covid variant and restrictions imposed on gatherings ahead of the New Year celebrations has resulted in cancellation of several parties. With many people keen to avoid large crowds, the demand for cabs has nosedived this year.
“In 2019, from January 25 to January 1, I made Rs 5,000 every day. Most drivers earned that much. Now we have to wait for almost two hours to get a booking. We fear this situation will prevail for quite some time. Our plight is terrible,” said Mohd Faheemuddin, a cab driver.
Another cab driver, who did not wish to be named, said “before the lockdown, nearly 1.30 lakh cabs were busy with booking from IT and software- related companies. Festival times would bring extra cheer as we would be earning more.
Alas, they seem a distant dream as we are earning a pittance these days.”
Dandu Lakshmi, engaged with an app-based platform, said “today my earning was Rs 800 after app commission and fuel expenses. I have to pay an EMI of Rs 23,000 in the beginning of the month. I don’t know what to do.”
She added “I have to take care of my son and daughter, who are students. IT companies were to open physical attendance from January. Omicron has pushed that date.”
Shadrach of Yesu-Events said “there have been no Christmas and New Year bashes in IT companies. Private parties and events are also on the decline this year as organizers are not willing to take the risk of investing money on large gatherings. This has hit our earning potential to alarming levels.”
