Ola drivers protest at Ola Kukatpally office

Kukatpally: Vexed by the heavy charges as part of their lease agreements, over 200 drivers protested outside Ola's Kukatpally office here on Monday. Speaking to The Hans India, one of the drivers said, "We have to pay INR 1,000 every day as a lease for cars.

In summer, there are fewer bookings. With respect to that, 3 point AC doesn't help and we face losses. We work for 18 hours straight, and earn INR 3,000 out of which we have to pay Rs 1,100 to Ola and Rs 1,000 for diesel, commission which leaves us with Rs 300 in the end."

He said that it had been four months since they gave a notice to Ola to fix standard rates for Ola drivers. Ola started its cab leasing program in 2015. Ola had not allowed the drivers to borrow taxis at cheaper interest rates.

To avail the facility, partner drivers are required to make an initial deposit as well as monthly installments for a period ranging from three to five years. He urged the Minister of Transport and Transport Commissioner to take action the company. The drivers are planning to participate in a Gandhigiri protest in upcoming days at Transport Bhawan, CM Camp Office and Assembly.

Demands by Ola drivers

1. Identifying the leased Ola operators to be considered Ola Partners who can log in for 12-14 hours for an operator bill of Rs 3,500
2. Upgrading customer care department who can address Ola partners' demands better
3. Billing charges should be the same irrespective of customer pick up from the rural or urban area
4. Daily internet charges (Rs 60 on sedans) should be abolished
5. Misbehavior by executives should be addressed
6. Ola partners should get the option of flexible working hours which is not being allowed due to duties during traffic hours
7. KYC of customers should be registered in case of any false complaints lodged against them
8. Capping of fare to be shared with Ola Partner, switch between services such as Mini, Micro, and Prime, etc
9. Standard commission charges, off-road limits, etc. They alleged handful of cars have been given to the drivers after promised lease of 3 years
10. Mobile application to ensure the safety of drivers
11. Amend company policy to onboard spare drivers in case Ola Partners cannot work
12. Ola vehicles leasing staff is responsible for recent activities committed by Ola Partners