Tricity cab strike: Ola, Uber, services hit as drivers launch agitation till June 16
The protesting drivers, assembled at the Sector 25 Rally Ground in Chandigarh, have announced that they will not accept ride bookings between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
PTC News Desk: Commuters across the Tri city region of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula are likely to face travel disruptions as drivers affiliated with app-based cab services, including Ola, Uber and inDrive, have launched a protest that will continue until June 16.
The protesting drivers, assembled at the Sector 25 Rally Ground in Chandigarh, have announced that they will not accept ride bookings between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day during the agitation. The move is expected to impact more than 50,000 daily commuters who depend on app-based taxi services across the Tricity.
The primary issue behind the protest is the alleged delay in implementing Chandigarh's Aggregator Policy 2025, which was introduced to regulate app-based cab operators, ensure passenger safety and protect drivers' interests.
Union representatives claim that although the policy was notified nearly a year ago, it has not been effectively enforced. They argue that the delay has allowed aggregator companies to continue operating without sufficient regulation, negatively affecting drivers' incomes.
Drivers are also demanding a revision of fare rates. While the current base fare is ₹25 per kilometre, they contend that rising fuel, maintenance and operational expenses have made the existing rates financially unviable.
Another major concern is the commission charged by app-based platforms. According to the drivers, companies deduct as much as 30–40 per cent of their earnings through commissions, software charges and other fees, significantly reducing their take-home income.
Transport experts note that the Aggregator Policy was intended to regulate fare structures, commission limits, driver welfare measures and passenger safety standards within the app-based transportation sector. Drivers allege that because the policy has not been fully implemented, companies continue to rely on surge pricing models that increase fares for passengers while a substantial share of the additional revenue is retained by the platforms rather than passed on to drivers.