Commuters stranded as app-based cabs go on strike

Private cab drivers attached to app-based aggregators Ola and Uber went on strike demanding revision of rates, and the implementation of life insurance cover for drivers.

A strike by the app-based cab drivers in the city left people stranded on Friday and many commuters alleged they were not aware of any such strike announcements.

Commuters scramble for a ride on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway on a manic Friday. (PARVEEN KUMAR/HT PHOTO)

Private cab drivers attached to app-based aggregators Ola and Uber went on strike demanding revision of rates, and the implementation of life insurance cover for drivers.

Commuters had a tough day as Gurgaon barely has any public transport options and autorickshaws do no ply by meter. The dependence on private cabs services such as Ola and Uber has been on the rise in recent times.

Residents said fares of cabs that accepted bookings were on the higher side because of ‘surge pricing’.

Kamaljeet Kaul of Sector 15 said, “I had to opt for an autorickshaw as Ola cabs didn’t respond. I was charged R 100 just for a three-kilometre ride today (Friday). Usually, I pay R 45 to reach my office at Cyber City in Sector 40.”

Another commuter, Renu Singh of Kendriya Vihar said, “This is unjust on our part. We have no knowledge of any strike. The cab aggregators should at least make some efforts to inform us prior to such a move. I booked a cab in the morning through an app but the driver didn’t turn up. This is disappointing.”

Angry and dissatisfied, commuters vent their frustration on social media. They also advised other residents to use autorickshaws and personal cars.

“My wife availed a shared cab from Sector 57. It was stopped at Orchid Island gate. Driver was pulled out and was beaten for not observing strike. Please use autos or your respective cars for commute today (sic),” Rohit Bakshi said on social media.

Raj S @Rajwinder1 tweeted, “pls look into the matter. Commuters all over Delhi are facing problems! (sic)”

Mohit Gupta tweet using the handle @straighttalk81 “@gurgaonpolice Pls check the Situation, nuisance for the common citizen, disturbing traffic? (sic)”

“And to hell with law & order or Commuters. @mlkhattar ji pl care for us also. (sic)” Ankur @aSmallVice tweeted.

A cab owner tweeted, “Am surprised with this reaction as I also own 3 cars attatched with a cab aggregator-if partners r not happy they can withdraw but cannot force. (sic)”