Autorickshaw drivers affiliated to various trade unions struck work on Tuesday and took out a procession to the District Collector’s office to demand a ban on online taxi services in the city and suburbs.
The unions argued that Kozhikode had credible autorickshaw and metered taxi services that went strictly by the fare fixed by the government.
No need for online cabs
Therefore, there was no need for an online cab service.
District general secretary of the Motor Vehicle and Engineering Workers’ Union (affiliated to the CITU) K.K. Mamu said the cabs were operating at a minimum per kilometre rate that was much lower than the one fixed by the government.
It was aimed at cutting into the earnings of autorickshaw and taxi drivers who had no other means of livelihood, he said.
When pointed out that online cab services were convenient for the public, as against autorickshaws that were hard to find at odd hours or in interior areas even during the day, Mr. Mamu said that did not mean that undue space could be offered for the online services.
“We had talks with the District Collector, transport authorities and other officials concerned on this issue on Monday. What we actually want is a complete ban on online taxi services. We have, however, accepted the view of the authorities that the services can operate without cabs being parked at or anywhere near the stands of the autorickshaws and the metered taxis,” he said.
“If the public want to use online services to overcome transportation difficulties at odd hours, they can. But, that should not lead to autorickshaw drivers losing their means of income,” he said.
Coordinator of Citizens’ Voice K. Shaju said if online taxi service was viable for the people, it must be encouraged as yet another mode of public transport, even if it was provided by a private operator.
The public must have a choice, especially in the light of people rarely using the existing taxis because of high fare. The lower fare offered by the online service was, therefore, unnerving the unions.
As for the unions’ opposition to providing permits for 10,000 new autorickshaws for Kozhikode, he said it would be too much for the city’s roads.
“Maybe a few more could be allowed depending on the demand, but certainly not 10,000,” he said.
