Gujarat’s transport commissioner has summoned Uber, Ola and Rapido for a meeting following complaints from the Ahmedabad Taxi Driver Union over alleged platform and driver-related issues.
The Gujarat transport commissioner has called representatives of app-based cab aggregators — Uber, Ola and Rapido — to a meeting on Monday, after Ahmedabad Taxi Driver Union raised concerns on several issues. The meeting is scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar.
Representatives of the aggregator companies have been asked to clarify complaints raised by the driver union, including how app-based cab services are functioning after its recent strike.
The dispute has also hit commuters, with passengers reporting repeated cancellations and difficulty finding cabs on Uber, Ola and Rapido. Some passengers alleged drivers asked them to cancel bookings and switch to Bharat Taxi or travel without an app. Police have informally advised drivers not to force passengers to change platforms, top sources confirmed.
The union had submitted a detailed representation to the state govt and transport authorities seeking action on alleged violations by aggregators. Its demands included verifying aggregator licences, vehicle permits and driver credentials, as well as crutinising alleged duplicate or fake driver IDs, fare and commission structures, and grievance mechanisms.
The union has also sought an independent audit of trip-wise fares, customer payments, driver payouts, commissions, platform fees, cancellation charges, incentives and other deductions for the previous 12 months.
Bharat Taxi is India’s first government-backed ride-hailing platform. It operates under a cooperative model, in which drivers become co-owners of the service and receive dividends, health insurance, and pension benefits. Bharat Taxi charges drivers zero commission, with profits distributed among them.
As reported by Inc42, when Bharat Taxi launched, it promised that drivers would be able to work with other services simultaneously. However, according to some drivers, they were pressured to stop accepting rides through Uber and Rapido.
While Bharat Taxi’s zero-commission structure may appeal to many, coercive tactics could undermine its legitimacy and passenger trust. Resolution requires clear police action, transparent communication and protection of driver and passenger choice.
Source: The Times of India, Inc42
