Telangana cab drivers launch 'No AC Campaign' citing lower earnings

HYDERABAD: HYDERABAD: Amidst a severe heatwave in Telangana, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) announced on Monday the initiation of a 'No Airconditioner (AC) Campaign' as they find it unsustainable to operate their ACs in cabs due to declining per-kilometer fares.

According to the TGPWU, drivers affiliated with Uber, Ola, and Rapido apps find it unsustainable to operate their ACs in cabs due to diminishing per-kilometer earnings. With temperatures in Hyderabad reaching up to 43 degrees Celsius, activating the AC significantly increases fuel and maintenance costs. The operational expense of running cabs with AC stands at Rs. 16-18 per kilometer, whereas, after accounting for commissions imposed by Uber, Ola, and Rapido, drivers are left with only Rs. 10 per kilometer.

Through this campaign, the TGPWU aims to draw attention from the government and platform companies towards addressing the daily challenges faced by drivers of app-based taxis. The union urged the Telangana State Government to promptly implement uniform fares per kilometer for all taxis operating under platform companies. Furthermore, they call for strict enforcement of regulations by the government on platform companies. 

Shaik Salauddin, founder president of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), expressed regret as he informed customers about their inability to provide high-quality rides. Salauddin explained that the current fare structure doesn't cover the expenses associated with operating cabs with ACs. Hence, the union is commencing the 'No AC Campaign' this week. Salauddin highlighted that bike taxis and autos currently command higher fares than cabs, questioning the fairness of the algorithms used to calculate fares. He appealed to customers for cooperation, suggesting that those who require AC during rides consider offering tips to help drivers cover costs adequately.

"Through this campaign, we hope that we are able to reach out to the government and platform companies to pay timely attention to the daily issues faced by drivers of all app-based taxis. We request the Telangana State Government to urgently implement uniform fares per kilometre for all taxis attached to platform companies. We further urge the Telangana State government to ensure that the platform companies comply with government-directed regulations. Inconvenience to our customers is not our intention, however, as our requests to the Telangana State Government and to platform companies are repeatedly going unheard, we are left with little choice but to launch this No AC Campaign, "

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union warn that if their demands are not urgently addressed, they will collaborate with trade unions in other states to launch a nationwide campaign on the same issue.