Autorickshaw operators at Mangaluru Central on Tuesday did not enter the prepaid counter, in protest against “poaching” of customers by app-based taxi aggregator Uber. The drivers alleged that Uber, which has been given parking space by the Southern Railway [for a fee] has been soliciting customers at the station.
Ganesh, who was operating the prepaid counter, told The Hindu that the drivers have refused to enter the counter and instead are picking up passengers at the periphery of the railway station.
SR has permitted Uber to use a certain area of the parking space in front of the Central Railway Station. The services began on September 2 with Uber placing a kiosk in front of the station.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Hanumantharayappa told The Hindu that the autorickshaw drivers resumed operation from the counter in the evening after police intervention. They were asked to approach the district administration if they had any grievance.
Meanwhile, the DCP has convened a meeting of stakeholders on Wednesday to discuss the issue.
In-charge Senior Deputy Commissioner of Transport G.S. Hegde said the High Court has restrained the department from taking any action against app-based taxi aggregators until a writ petition challenging the Karnataka On-demand Transportation Technology Aggregators Rules, 2016, is disposed of. Since the Railways has provided licence to the aggregator, the department has no role in the issue, he said.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson of Uber said it has partnered with the Railways to make pick-up experiences at the railway station seamless and hassle-free for both, riders and drivers.
“The action of some individuals that disrupted our efforts to enhance this experience is regrettable. We are working with the relevant authorities, to continue providing these special services without any inconvenience to riders and drivers,” he said.
Responding to the snap strike, social activist G. Hanumanth Kamath said an individual has the right to choose the best service provider as a citizen.
When autorickshaw drivers, despite coming through the prepaid counter, fleece passengers, it is but natural for passengers to look for better alternatives, Mr. Kamath told The Hindu.
The district administration should provide adequate protection to the aggregator for public convenience and should not be pawn in the hands of autorickshaw operators, he said.