12,000 Ola, Uber Drivers Go Off The Roads In Guwahati – Strike Against Reduced Incentives

In the latest in a series of developments, online cab aggregators Ola and Uber are reportedly at odds with and their drivers regarding the revised incentive rates by the companies.

The drivers of the two companies have started a 36-hour strike in Guwahati. The strike has been a result of the companies’ move to acquire more cars, that has led to shrinking incentives for the current drivers. As per an official statement, the strike could lead to 12,000 cabs going off the roads in the city.

Inc42 contacted both Ola and Uber and is currently awaiting their responses.

Cab aggregators in India have had to face a lot of glitches in operations so far. In July, the Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union called for an indefinite strike against app-based taxi services in New Delhi. In August, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to Ola and Uber to stop surge pricing and follow government prescribed fares. It had set August 22 as the deadline for app-based cab aggregators to completely withdraw surge pricing.

In September this year, reports surfaced that the Indian Government is reportedly planning to establish a maximum limit on fares to monitor surge pricing by online cab aggregators like Uber and Ola.

Earlier last month, the Maharashtra government released the draft of Maharashtra City Taxi Rules, 2016. In this regard, cab aggregator Uber raised an objection to Maharashtra’s draft rules to regulate ride-hailing apps on three fronts, the proposed restrictions on engine capacity, price tags for permits, and pricing.

Earlier too this month, the Karnataka High Court dismissed Uber’s request to scuttle the Karnataka On-demand Transportation Technology Aggregators Rule, 2016, while upholding the government’s rights, ruled in favour of the State Government.

The development was reported by Financial Express.