Hyderabad: Amid soaring temperatures, cab operators in the city have decided to launch a ‘No AC’ campaign from Monday. The operators have affixed ‘No AC’ stickers on their vehicles, attributing their decision to the govt’s inability to implement uniform fares for app-based aggregators.
According to the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU), drivers working with ride-sharing platforms are unable to switch on AC due to low per-kilometre fares. While the cost of running an AC is 16 to 18 per km, drivers earn only 10 to 12 per km after commissions. Bike taxis and autos get higher fares than taxis despite the lack of AC, they said.
“The fare algorithms ignore rising fuel costs, maintenance and extreme summer heat. From this week, cab drivers will not turn on AC unless customers voluntarily tip to cover the cost. Our main demand is for a standard fare per kilometre that reflects operating costs and regulation of aggregator pricing policies. If the demands are not met, the TGPWU will escalate this campaign nationwide in collaboration with unions across India,” said Shaik Salauddin, founder and president of the TGPWU.
Meanwhile, 58,000 drivers have boycotted airport trips in protest at the unfair fares charged by aggregators. Cab operators added that there is an urgent need for legislative action, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers (Rights and Welfare) Bill, 2024.
Meanwhile, attempts to reach out to some app aggregators have failed as there is no response to this initiative from drivers across the city.
