Mumbai commuters suffer as Ola, Uber drivers go on strike

Commuters in Mumbai suffered as drivers of the app-based cab aggregators Ola and Uber today went on an indefinite strike strike called by the transport wing of the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

"Talks are underway with the app-based cab aggregators. A decision on (calling off) the strike is expected tomorrow," Sanjay Naik, president of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vahtuk Sena, told PTI here.

The strike was called to protest the low earnings of drivers operating cabs for Ola and Uber, Naik said.

Office commuters, who use the app-based service daily, were in for a longer wait today as the number of such cabs was less owing to the strike.

"I faced the same issue. No cabs agreed to come from Parel to Powai," tweeted hotelier Benaifer Kapadia.

While Naik said almost 99 per cent of the around 1.30 lakh such cabs were off the roads today, Ola and Uber did not quantify the number of such cabs.

Naik said drivers of these cabs are not able to cover costs due to the falling business.

"We expect the cab companies to discuss with the government how they can come at par with the black and yellow taxis, and other public modes of transport," Naik said.

The Mumbai Police rubbished reports that the strike supporters stopped cars in the suburban Marol and Ghatkopar areas and broke the windshields of Ola and Uber cabs, which were not a part of the strike.

Uber said the company was committed to serve its customers.

"We regret the disruption caused to our rider and driver community by a small group of individuals. We remain committed to serving the city, ensuring driver partners can continue to access stable earning opportunities, while giving riders a convenient option to get around their city," Uber said in a statement.

It pointed to a Bombay High Court injunction against unions, their leaders and others from obstructing activities of Uber driver partners.

An Ola spokesperson said the company was informed by police that necessary steps were taken to ensure safety of the commuters.

"We were informed by the Mumbai Police that they have pro-actively taken all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of commuters during their cab rides in the city," the Ola spokesperson said.

Mumbai Taximen's Union, the biggest taxi union in the city, said they did not support the strike.

"We are not supporting the strike. Ola and Uber have hired rogue taxi drivers and traffic was smooth today when they were off the roads," union general secretary A L Quadros said.