A day after the state transport authority suspended the aggregator licences of Uber and Rapido for six months, both platforms continued to accept bookings on Wednesday, with several cab and bike-taxi drivers coming up with novel ways to circumvent the ban even as authorities took to challaning the offenders.
including for journeys within Chandigarh and between Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula, a few reported cancellations, rejected bookings and drivers asking them to cancel app-based rides and travel privately, amid concerns over challans and vehicle impounding While most commuters said they were able to freely book cabs and bike taxis through these apps. The UT had already suspended the licences of Ola and inDrive – in June and August respectively, leaving all four major app-based aggregators without valid licences to operate in the city. Chandigarh has nearly 1 lakh daily cab users who use ride-hailing services to get to work, college, airport, railway station and other regular travel, according to a rough estimate.
STA secretary Nitish Singla, who signed the licence suspension orders for the four firms, warned drivers that accepting bookings through these platforms could invite challans and their vehicles could also be impounded. A few bike-taxi riders were also booked, it was learnt. To be sure, the two satellite towns haven’t suspended the licences of these ride-hailing services. “My livelihood depends on driving. I have a car loan, fuel expenses and a family to support. If these apps are suspended, how will we get customers? “We cannot sit at one place and wait for passengers. The apps connect us with customers. If there is a booking, we go and pick up the passenger.
Most of the challans issued against the drivers were by STA team members who had themselves booked the rides, posing as customers, to identify the violators, according to information. “Even if the rides originate and end in Panchkula or Mohali, it will be considered a violation if the vehicle passes through Chandigarh,” he said. Singla said even commuters availing these services will be considered violators but stopped short of detailing the action that could be taken against them. Drivers, meanwhile, said they have little choice but to continue using the platforms. How are we supposed to earn?” said a cab driver. Another driver said aggregator apps are the most convenient way to get customers. This is how we earn every day,” he said. On enquiring about the Bharat Taxi app, the only alternative left for drivers and passengers in the city now, a driver, Rattan, said, “If I am already paying for four cab booking apps, why would I enroll for a new one, especially when most passengers don’t even know of it?”
