Aggregator cabs, autos on day-long strike in Pune tomorrow

Pune: Cabs and autorickshaws under various aggregator platforms in Pune and the rest of Maharashtra are likely to participate in a day-long strike on Feb 7.President of Baghtoy Rickshawaala autorickshaw union and the president of Indian Gig Workers Front Keshav Kshirsagar said several unions had together called the nationwide strike. It would inconvenience daily commuters in different parts of the city.
"The demands vary over regions. In Maharashtra, there is displeasure over ban on operation of bike taxis and non-implementation of the state aggregator policy. Hence, cabbies and autorickshaws under Ola, Uber and Rapido in Pune, Mumbai and all parts of the state will remain on strike on Feb 7," he said.Kshirsagar said autorickshaws operating by meters would be operational. "We are informing drivers of autorickshaws and cabs about our demands. We were hopeful that the state would implement the cab aggregator policy after the civic polls. However, it did not happen. The transport department had said before the polls that the policy was in its last stage of discussion and would be implemented soon. The strike will happen because no steps were taken," he added.A similar strike took place last year, affecting many commuters, particularly those at Pune airport and other key areas. Flyers can book autos and cabs via apps alone at the airport's AeroMall.The Pune RTO has not allowed any aggregator to operate bike taxis. At present, while cabbies hassle commuters by asking for exorbitant amounts, autorickshaw drivers ask for meter fare and ignore what is reflected on different apps.