Bengaluru, Guwahati cab unions protest low fares, threaten shutdown

Auto and taxi unions in Bengaluru have given the transport department a 15-day deadline to remove bike-taxi apps from app stores, alleging they operate without a legal framework. The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations filed a complaint demanding action under the Motor Vehicles Act, IT Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It claimed bike-taxi services raise safety concerns, lack adequate insurance and violate contract carriage provisions. The unions also alleged that auto and cab aggregators are not following government-fixed fares and demanded a 'one city, one fare' policy.

In Guwahati, Ola, Uber and Rapido cab drivers have announced an indefinite strike from September 1 over low fares and rising costs. The drivers said earnings have remained stagnant at around Rs 9-10 per km despite repeated fuel price hikes. They are demanding government-prescribed fares of Rs 25 per km for hatchbacks and Rs 30 per km for sedans. The association said the shutdown will continue until their demands are addressed, and EV auto drivers will also join the protest.