Speak up Mumbai: Resuming services a long haul for cab aggregators

Drivers working for private cab aggregators have been on strike since a week now. They have been demanding a hike of Rs 100 to 150 in base fare and a rise in price per kilometre to Rs 23, which is bound to burn a hole in the commuters’ pockets. This would also mean that Uber and Ola will no longer be a cheaper option, certainly not to black and yellow cabs.

Prices continued to surge for the few cabs still plying, with a 40-km ride between Fort and Borivali costing Rs 2,000.

“The estimated wait time was around 18 minutes,” says Viraj Mamania, a resident of Dahisar. “I am trying to solve their issues,” state Transport Minister, Diwakar Raote had said. He said, “But the solution cannot only benefit the dissenting drivers.”

Until the strike began, people had been preferring the air-conditioned cabs instead of the black and yellow taxis. This is chiefly because of the comfort provided by cab aggregators. However, with the probable rise in fares, it can change tides for the cabs as people are already tired of the surge pricing where fares increase by 3-4 times during peak hours. Unless the government does not attend the issues, a good mode of transportation will see fading.

VOICES

I already think they aren’t a cheaper option, however, they continue to remain more convenient than a kaali-peeli taxi as I don’t get rejected if I want to go to a place close by or a place where the kaali-peeli driver doesn’t want to go. Also, when it comes to comfort, app-based cabs fare much better in terms of cleanliness and overall experience.  
— Kedar Shetye, Wadala

Personally, I wouldn’t say it’s a cheaper option because time is money. And even if we ignore the surge pricing, the fact that the drivers very often lose their way or refuse duty but don’t cancel rides definitely makes it a worse option. Frequent strikes don’t help the case either. Sticking to our usual kaali peeli is the best option. 
— Mirisha Suchde, Altamount Road

As long as the fare difference is not too high compared to the regular taxi, ride-hailing services will always be the preferred option. The fact that it can be hailed easily at any hour of the day in any corner of the city, with comfort and the perceived safety, will always tilt the scale in their favour.
— Progyaa Dutta, Byculla 

I personally did not feel the heat of the issue as I stick to public transport. I have to travel from the Western Express Highway, and due to a heavy traffic and higher fares of Ola, Uber during office hours one cannot afford to travel by these cabs daily.  On the other hand, roads were relatively empty in the past 4 days, so that was a relief actually. There are people who travel by Ola, Uber daily. They had to face a lot of problems. While considering drivers’ demands, passenger safety also needs to be taken care of.
— Snehal Joshi-Kulkarni, Borivali

If the prices of Ola and Uber also rise then soon it will also meet the fate of earlier radio cabs. We aren’t opposed to increasing the rate seeing fuel prices going up. But, it should be nominal and affordable. Also, the Ola and Uber cab drivers have started behaving like the regular kaali-peeli cab drivers, they also refuse fare as per their whims and fancies. All these need to be curbed and if needed then a policy be brought in for the same.
— Sopan Birari, Dadar

Increase in fuel prices has surely worsened the issues of cab aggregators like Ola & Uber. This would mean we would have to face escalated prices. The main reason for citizens to opt for cab aggregators was that they provided cheaper, affordable prices and good services with less refusal to ply. Things won’t be the same anymore. The government needs to address this issue at the earliest as cab aggregators cater to a huge section of the commuters.
— Suhail Ansari, Pydhonie

Yes, definitely yes. Nowadays, the fares for both Ola/Uber keeps on changing. And in peak hours it goes rises more than triple. Also, you keep trying to find Mini or Macro Cars you will never get it. It always gives the option of Prime or Sudan cars, which has more high rates. It is almost impossible to find or ride in both Uber/Ola with such higher rates every day.
— Snehal Roge, Kanjurmarg

Uber and Ola are not cheaper than black and yellow cabs, rickshaws or other public transport options. Despite this, there will still be takers for Uber and Ola as they offer benefits like doorstep pick up, cashless payment, GPS tracking, clean and hygienic vehicles and for these services customers are willing to pay a premium even if the difference is slightly more. If not for additional facilities, I don’t see that much a price difference that Ola, Uber make.
— Vinita Bhatia, Malad

EXPERT SPEAK

Initially, Uber and Ola gave huge discounts and incentives to drivers and passengers. But the fact remains that people want value for money. After providing cab services for cheaper fares and high incentives to drivers, the expectations have risen. However, this is not a sustainable model. Escalating fares will surely prove beneficial for black and yellow cabs. The government needs to intervene and handle the issue as no one expected things to turn this ugly.  
— Ashok Datar, chairman, MESN

Until now, Uber and Ola cabs have proved to be convenient and a cheap mode of transport. The main factor is the ease of getting air-conditioned cabs at your doorstep for competitive fares. Now, under the current circumstances, it seems that fares could rise. People would not mind if there is a marginal increase, however, the service should not be compromised. There are cases where drivers ask for destination and then cancel the trip or ask the passenger to cancel it. If such practices continue then it will be pointless even if there is a fare hike.
— Prathamesh Prabhutendulkar, rail and road transport expert