No AC’: Telangana gig workers rally for uniform fare amid rising summer expenses

Hyderabad: In response to declining per-kilometre fares and soaring temperatures in Hyderabad, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) has announced the launch of the ‘No AC’ campaign. The union called on the Telangana State Government to urgently implement uniform fares per km for all taxis attached to platform companies.

Shaik Salauddin, founder-president of TGPWU, issued a statement outlining the reasons behind the campaign and called for urgent action from the government and platform companies.

Earning only Rs 10 per Rs 18 spent

Salauddin highlighted the challenges faced by drivers working with popular ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Ola, and Rapido.

He stated, “We are unable to turn on the AC in our cabs due to declining per-kilometre fares. The cost of running our cabs with AC is rupees 16-18 per km, while we earn only Rs 10 per km after accounting for commissions charged by the platform companies.”

Impact on service quality

With temperatures reaching up to 43 degrees Celsius in Hyderabad, the inability to use the AC significantly impacts the quality of service provided by drivers.

Expressed regret over quality taking a hit, Salauddin said, “With the compulsory switching on of AC and the current fare structure, we are simply unable to meet the costs of running our cabs.”

Fare Calculation Algorithm questioned

The TGPWU also raised questions regarding the fare calculation algorithm used by e-platform companies.

Salauddin questioned, “How is the algorithm unable to take into account the actual costs of running cabs on the streets in this heat? How can the cost of running a cab be lower than the cost of running bike taxis and autos—both of which do not have ACs?”

Tips from customers to cover AC expenses

While launching the ‘No AC’ campaign, the TGPWU requested cooperation from customers. Salauddin urged customers to offer tips if they require the AC to be switched on during rides, stating, “Through this campaign, we hope to reach out to the government and platform companies to pay timely attention to the daily issues faced by drivers.”

Demands for government intervention

The union called on the Telangana State Government to urgently implement uniform fares per km for all taxis attached to platform companies. Additionally, they urged the government to ensure that platform companies comply with government-directed regulations.

Salauddin warned of escalating action if their demands are not addressed: “If our demands are not urgently addressed, TGPWU, in collaboration with trade unions in other states, will be forced to launch a nationwide campaign.”