Cabbies urge Ola to consider just demands

Kukatpally: Ola cab drivers are staging silent protest at Ola office here. They allege irrational behavior of Ola executives with partner drivers and also decry differential pricing for drivers based on user inputs. Their desperation was such that some of them even staged half-naked protest at the Ola office.

Explaining the difficulties, drivers said that, "We have to pay Rs 1,000 every day for a leased car. As it is summer, three-point AC doesn't help and we are forced to bear losses.

We work for 18 long hours and earn Rs 3,000 out of which we have to pay Rs 1,100 to Ola, spend Rs 1,000 on fuel. We have also to pay other bills required. Finally at the end, we are hardly left with Rs 300 a day for the last 4 months. We presented our representation to Ola to recognise the need and grant standard rates.

"We request honorable Minister for Transportation and Transport Commissioner to intervene and ensure immediate action by Ola, considering our plight as a priority," pleaded Shaik Salauddin, chairman of Telangana Taxi and Drivers Joint Action Committee. The demands of drivers union include identifying leased Ola operators and treating them as Ola partners who shall log in for 12-14 hours for an operator bill of Rs 3,500.

Demands of drivers

1. Upgrading customer care department to address Ola Partners' demands better
2. Ola billing charges should be same irrespective of customer pick up from rural or urban area
3. Daily internet charges (INR 60 on sedans) should be abolished
4. Executive misbehavior including threatening life should be addressed
5. Ola Partners should get option of flexi working hours which is not being allowed due to duties during traffic hours
6. KYC of customers to help Ola Partners handle any false complaints lodged against them
7. Capping of fare to be shared with Ola Partner, switch between services such as Mini, Micro and Prime etc
8. Standard commission charges, off-road limits etc. They alleged handful of cars have been given to the drivers after promised lease of 3 years
9. Mobile application to ensure the safety of drivers
10. Amend company policy to onboard spare drivers in case Ola Partners cannot work
11. Ola vehicles leasing staff are responsible for recent activities committed by Ola Partners.