Auto, taxi drivers begin two-day strike against app-based transport services

New Delhi, August 22

Transportation services in parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) were disrupted on Thursday as auto and taxi drivers launched a two-day strike protesting against app-based cab services like Ola, Uber and Rapido. The strike, led by multiple unions, aimed to draw attention to the financial struggles faced by traditional drivers due to the rise of these services.

Demand increase in fare

Passengers are paying ~20 per km to Ola and Uber, but only ~8-9 per km to us. With the rising cost of CNG, this rate is simply not enough. We demand that our fare be increased to at least ~15-20 per km. — A taxi driver

‘Eating into our earnings’

These app-based cab services are eating into our earnings and making it difficult for us to sustain our families. This strike is about saving our jobs. — Kishan Verma, president of the Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Congress Union

“These app-based cab services are eating into our earnings and making it difficult for us to sustain our families. This strike is about saving our jobs,” said Kishan Verma, president of the Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Congress Union. He accused companies like Ola and Uber of using private vehicles—cars with white number plates, motorcycles, and scooters—illegally, which undercuts the business of traditional auto and taxi drivers.

Verma called on the government to ban these services, noting that nearly 15 unions, including those of cab drivers, were backing the strike. “We urge both the central and state governments, especially the Delhi government, to impose a complete ban on these illegal app-based companies,” he added.

Drivers participating in the strike also raised concerns about fare disparities. “Passengers are paying Rs 20 per km to Ola and Uber, but only Rs 8-9 per km to us. With the rising cost of CNG, this rate is simply not enough. We demand that our fare be increased to at least Rs 15-20 per km,” said one taxi driver.

RS Rathore, vice-president of the Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Congress Union, emphasised the need for government intervention. “We need to send a strong message to the government. Our main demands are the immediate banning of illegal bike operations and the creation of a government-run app to provide employment to around 2 lakh drivers in Delhi,” Rathore said.

However, not all unions supported the strike. Rajendra Soni, general secretary of the Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh, said, “The two-day strike is largely ineffective because autos and taxis continue to operate in the city. My union and about five other unions are not participating because app-based services are not our direct competitors.”

According to the Delhi Transport Department, approximately 1,50,000 motor cabs, 95,000 autos and 10,000 kali-pili taxis are registered in the city. Despite the strike, many vehicles continued to operate, revealing divisions among the unions on how to address the challenges posed by app-based cab services.