Ola and Uber cab drivers in Patna city have started an indefinite strike from Thursday regarding their demands. All the striking drivers reached the Miller High School campus in Patna in the morning with their vehicles. During this time, the delegation of striking drivers met Patna DM Dr Chandrashekhar and Transport Minister Sheela Kumari regarding various demands including daily allowance, security, opening of company office in Patna, closure of auto and bike cabs and submitted a memorandum to them. This strike will continue on Friday also.
Taxi union demanding to fix basic fare
Taxi union member Dhananjay Singh said that the union has demanded that the basic fare of the taxi should be fixed and the rules for increasing and decreasing the fare should also be ensured. Along with this, like other states like Karnataka and West Bengal, offices should be established by taxi companies in Patna also. Along with this, the union has urged the state government to stop the private number vehicles running in the taxi service and to take action against the vehicles connected to the taxi app without permit and fulfill other demands.
Demand from cab companies to set up office in Patna
Union member Dhananjay Singh said that the problems of the drivers have increased due to the daily reduction in taxi fares and charging of more commission than the government standards. He told that Ola and Uber companies have not opened any of their offices in the city. Due to this, drivers are not able to get any help from the company.
Problems increased due to flexi booking service
The striking drivers said that due to the flexi booking service started by the company, the drivers are not able to even meet the expenses of petrol and diesel used in their vehicles. Under this, the company is giving the facility to the customers to book their fare at up to 35 percent lower price. Due to which the earnings of drivers have reduced significantly.
People face trouble in booking taxi, strike will continue
Due to the strike of taxi drivers, the people of Patna had to face a lot of problems throughout the day on Thursday. Due to the strike, people kept trying to make bookings on the apps of taxi companies, but the bookings were not being accepted by the cab drivers. On Thursday, people coming from the city and outside the city had to take the help of auto rickshaws to reach their destination. Ashok Singh, a resident of Kankarbagh, said that he had to reserve an auto rickshaw to go to Patna Junction. Booking on the taxi app was failing again and again. Taxi union member Shivshankar Singh said that the strike of taxi drivers will continue on Friday also.
What is the demand for drivers?
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Government app should be launched for car service
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Private number taxi service should be stopped
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Action should be taken against vehicles connected to taxi app without permit
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Ensure safety of drivers