Bengaluru Auto Drivers Union Federation has called for a 24-hour-long bandh on Monday, March 20, 2023. The strike is to demand a ban on the ‘illegal’ bike taxis in the city.
Since the last few months, the differences between the auto rickshaw unions and online commuting applications have grown. The unions had been demanding a ban on the bike taxis, as they state it has threatened their livelihood. Besides not operating the rickshaws, the drivers will march at the Majestic Bus Stand. The union will rally from the railway stations to the official residence of the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavraj Bommai’s official residence.
Brace yourself for some commuting pain as up to 85% of #Bengaluru's 2.1L auto drivers to go on strike today (20/03/23) against bike taxis. Expect #Ola & #Uber cab services to get scarce & expensive. Autos ferrying schoolkids won't be affected. @NammaBengaluroo @vinaysreeni
— Muthi-ur-Rahman Siddiqui (@ever_pessimist) March 19, 2023
“By not taking any action against the illegal Rapido services, the government has miserably failed to safeguard the interest of the auto drivers. The bike taxi services have destroyed the livelihoods of auto drivers. Despite multiple appeals to initiate action against such services, the government has done nothing,” said M Manjunath to The Indian Express.
#Bengaluru
AUTORICKSHAW STRIKE TODAY
Auto drivers union has called for a bandh, demanding a ban on bike taxis & whiteboard taxis.They will hold rally at 11AM and after the procession the will surround CM Basavaraj Bommai's house.
Auto for emergency services will be available pic.twitter.com/LbTDZvQyxl
— Kamran (@CitizenKamran) March 20, 2023
And in Koramangala today all the autos are on strike, not plying anywhere. Union people all around. Reason they don't want Ola, Uber and Rapido to ply bikes. #Bengaluru
— Rakshit Malhotra (@rakshitmalhotra) March 20, 2023
“The bike taxi service is also exploiting youngsters by deceiving them into incentives. The app illegally on-boards college students.”, he continued.
“Whiteboard bikes are being used to carry passengers who are supposed to use auto-rickshaws,” said C Sampath, the Union general secretary C. Sampath.
First time I went to Bengaluru in 2015.
I checked on ola auto, it was showing 68rs.
I asked auto guy, he told 250rs, i asked him that Ola saying low, he told Ola will not come today they are on strike.
Few mins later, my ride arrived & have never used normal auto since. https://t.co/sVK5MLJ87P
— NSR (@Nandan_) March 15, 2023
“For the last few years, auto drivers have seen a dip in business due to these two-wheeler taxis. We are facing losses, and are unable to repay loans, fees, or rents.” said another union leader.
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