Ola, Uber relax norms for drivers after protests

Ola drivers have been protesting the tough regulations set to meet performance targets during the peak hours by the company, leading the Bangalore-based taxi hailing app company along with its competitor Uber to relax some rules, an Economic Times report says. 

Ola and Uber had given their drivers targets to complete a pre-determined number of rides during the peak hours to earn more, however, the drivers complained that it was becoming increasingly difficult to meet the targets set by the two companies. 

After the protest, Ola widened the peak hour time slot to give them more time to complete the rides, while Uber has done away with the peak hour window completely, thereby letting their drivers in Chennai achieve the target any time during the day for more earnings. 

Increased rides targets for more remuneration are different for both the companies and depend on the city they are in.

During the peaceful protests outside Ola's Chennai offices, a 20-point charter was presented to the authorities, the report said. One of the important demands including requesting the company to not link customer feedback to their earnings. 

Ola and Uber have been in the limelight for sometime now, especially in the national capital where Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is trying to make sure all app-based taxi services do away with surge pricing, the practice of charging 1.5 or 2, or more times the basic fare during peak hours.