Amidst the scorching summer heat, commuters in Telangana may face discomfort as the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) announced a “No AC Campaign” on April 8 in protest against the decreasing per kilometer fares provided by ride-hailing platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
This announcement comes at a time when the region is grappling with heatwaves and escalating temperatures. The union expressed its concern over the financial challenges faced by drivers, stating that the current fare structure offers them only Rs 10-12 per kilometer, while the actual cost of operating cabs with air conditioning is between Rs 16-18 per kilometer.
Due to this disparity, the union stated its inability to provide rides with air conditioning under the existing fare structure. Consequently, they initiated the No AC Campaign to highlight their predicament and called for the attention of both passengers and authorities.
The union also questioned the fare calculation algorithms, pointing out that bike taxis and auto-rickshaws often receive higher fares compared to cabs. They urged passengers to consider tipping drivers if they desire air conditioning during their rides, to help cover the additional costs.
Additionally, the union appealed to the state government to ensure fair fares for all app-based taxis and enforce regulatory compliance by ride-hailing companies. They called upon the cab aggregators to address the concerns raised by drivers regarding the declining incomes.
Expressing disappointment over the lack of response from authorities and companies, the union emphasized that the No AC Campaign was initiated as a last resort. They warned of a potential nationwide campaign involving drivers from other states if their demands remain unmet.
