Taxi drivers still waiting for an alternative

The year 2017 saw as many as four protests by taxi drivers against ‘harassment’ by app-based aggregators. Even their family members joined an agitation at Freedom Park.

It was then that former chief minister and JD(S) president H.D. Kumaraswamy assured drivers of protecting their interests by facilitating the launch of an aggregator platform that would take their demands into consideration. The results was Namma TYGR, which was launched amidst fanfare, but hit a roadblock after the Transport Department impounded some of their vehicles as the aggregator did not have the required licence.

It was a huge blow for thousands of taxi drivers who had joined the platform, one that is likely to play out on May 12, when Karnataka votes for the next State government.

“All our protests have gone waste, our problems remain. Neither the Congress nor the BJP sympathised with us when we were protesting. Though Kumaraswamy extended his support, nothing has worked out. The aggregators continue to fleece us charging a commission of 25-30% for a booking. Nothing will change even after the elections,” said Kantharaju B., a taxi driver.

Sadiq Khan, another driver, says, “Last year, many rounds of the discussions were held with the Transport Department, which introduced a new fare structure assuring is that it would protect our interests, but aggregators are flouting the new rules as well. Surge pricing continues though drivers do not get the benefit.”

Namma TYGR post polls?

Sumit Kumar, director of Huli Technologies Private Limited, which operates Namma TYGR, is hopeful of starting the business after the elections. “We have applied for a licence with the Transport Department. Some paperwork needs to be done and it will be completed in a couple of weeks. We are hoping that after the elections, we will get required the licence to operate.”

When asked whether Kumaraswamy is part of the venture, Sumit said, “Last year, agitating drivers who were not happy with taxi aggregators had sought his (Kumaraswamy) help to start a new platform. At the time, we had given a presentation on our proposal, which was approved. However, Mr. Kumaraswamy is not part of the business and not making any investment. Our company is investing the money by raising funds from various sources.”

Mr. Sumit claimed that 18,000 taxi drivers in the city have already agreed to be a part of Namma TYGR.

Tanveer Pasha, president of the association of drivers who have attached with their vehicles with Ola and Uber, has accused the Congress government of foiling attempts by Namma TYGR to enter the market by impounding vehicles.

“Everyone knows that the backing of Mr. Kumaraswamy was the reason for Transport Minister H.M. Revanna foiling the attempts of Namma TYGR to enter the market. It will become operational after the election results are out,” he said.

Incidentally, Mr. Pasha was an aspirant for the JD(S) ticket in Shantinagar Assembly constituency.

As per recent data from the Transport Department, 1.56 lakh taxis and 1.84 lakh autos ply on Bengaluru’s roads. About four years ago, the corresponding numbers were 66,264 taxis and 1.38 lakh autos. Now they form a section of the electorate whose voice can no longer be ignored.

Auto drivers, too, have protested several times in the past. They remain unhappy with the lack of adequate subsidy to shift from two-stroke to four-stroke engines, attempts to increase the number of auto permits, rise in fuel price, as well as stiff competition from taxi aggregators.