Hyderabad: Cab drivers in the city staged a protest over a sharp decline in ride charges, which they claim have dropped from 14 to 10 per kilometre. The fare reduction has put significant financial pressure on their livelihoods.
The protest, organized by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU), seeks to raise awareness about the mounting challenges faced by drivers working with major ride-hailing platforms. According to drivers, the lowered fares, combined with rising fuel prices and increased vehicle maintenance costs, are making it harder for them to sustain their operations.
“The current situation is untenable for our drivers. We’re demanding creation of a govt-operated aggregator app that would eliminate commission charges and ensure fair, standardised rates for rides,” said Shaik Salauddin, president of TGPWU.
“Many drivers are struggling to meet their basic expenses and loan payments due to these unsustainable fares.”
The union is urging the govt to intervene by regulating ride charges and establishing a minimum fare per kilometre. They argue that the current pricing model benefits only aggregator companies, while leaving drivers to shoulder the burden of reduced earnings.
The protest has gained momentum, with drivers refusing to accept low-fare rides until their demands are addressed. By the time this news was published, no response was recieved by TOI from ride aggregator firms in response to the issue.
