Impact of Taxi and Auto Rickshaw Strike in Delhi 🚕
On Thursday, Cabs and auto rickshaw services in New Delhi were severely disrupted due to a two-day strike initiated by approximately 15 driver unions. The strike was in response to the declining earnings experienced by drivers from popular cab aggregator platforms like Uber and Ola. The drivers went off the roads to protest against the increase in commissions and reduction in driver incentives provided by these platforms. Kishan Verma, president of Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Union Congress, mentioned that despite approaching the central and state governments for support, no relief measures have been implemented.
Scope of the Strike 🚗
The 15 unions participating in the strike collectively represent more than 400,000 taxi and auto rickshaw drivers in the national capital. Verma highlighted the negative impact of bike taxis and e-rickshaws being introduced on these platforms, further affecting the business of auto rickshaws and taxis. The two-day disruption in Delhi could have severe repercussions on the operations of Ola and Uber, as Delhi is a crucial market for them in terms of customer base.
Expansion of Taxi Aggregator Platforms 🚖
Notably, in recent years, the taxi aggregator space has witnessed the emergence of various rival platforms in the market. These include WestBridge Capital-backed Rapido, Google-backed Namma Yatri, EV ride-hailing firm BluSmart, and InDrive, among others. This growing competition has added to the challenges faced by traditional taxi and auto rickshaw drivers, intensifying the ongoing struggle.
Hot Take on the Future of Taxi Services 🚦
As a crypto enthusiast, it is essential to observe and analyze the impact of disruptive events like the recent taxi and auto rickshaw strike in Delhi. Such occurrences not only affect the local transportation sector but also shed light on broader issues related to gig economy workers, platform regulations, and the future of mobility services in urban areas. Stay informed about these developments to navigate the evolving landscape of transportation and its intersection with technology.