Hundreds of online vehicle drivers took to the streets halting important transport services. Protesting against the abnormal hike in fuel prices without a corresponding increase in their due fares, drivers’ associations have announced an indefinite shutdown of online cab services in Guwahati city. Ola, Uber, Rapido driver communities and E-V auto driver associations have jointly implemented this protest programme.
After no unanimous solution emerged from a meeting held at the Transport Commissioner’s office, the service came to a complete halt from 5 am. The drivers’ associations have demanded uniform fare fixation for every route in the city and an end to the illegal commercial use of private vehicles. In addition, the protesters demanded government intervention regarding the establishment of permanent offices of app-based companies in Guwahati.
The organization alleged that despite the excessive increase in the cost of document renewal, the companies have deprived the drivers of adequate wages. Due to this sudden decision, daily commuters in the city have faced severe inconvenience. The drivers’ community has threatened to intensify the agitation if the government does not take immediate steps to resolve the problem.
