Guwahati: Online cab services in Guwahati may come to a halt from Sept 1, as drivers belonging to various cab aggregators have threatened to shut down services indefinitely over rising fuel prices and operational costs.“The halt will be from Sept 1, as the Guwahati online cab drivers along with representatives of various drivers’ organisations will withdraw the services if the company fails to address our demands,” said Pankaj Barman, an online cab driver.Barman said fares offered by cab aggregators had not kept pace with the sharp rise in the prices of petrol, diesel and other operational expenses.“The drivers are earning less than what they used to earn seven to eight years ago under the prevailing fee structure,” he said.The drivers had previously approached the govt and administration and undertaken various programmes seeking intervention. However, they alleged that no effective measures had been taken yet to address their grievances.“For smaller vehicles, we expect a minimum rate of Rs 25 per km, and Rs 30 per km for larger vehicles. These rates are the bare minimum we are seeking, as a significant portion of our earnings is already consumed. At the current rates, it becomes increasingly difficult for us to operate sustainably and earn a reasonable margin,” Barman said.They have also demanded that the govt fix the base fare, per-kilometre fare and per-minute fare through a prescribed regulatory mechanism.They have urged the authorities to intervene and appealed to passengers and other stakeholders to extend their support and cooperation during the period of the agitation. If implemented, the shutdown could affect commuters across Guwahati who rely on app-based cab services for their daily travel.Dhrubaraj Axom, president of the state drivers’ union, expressed scepticism over this proposed strike.Axom said instead of resorting to a strike that could disrupt commuters’ daily lives and affect the public, the drivers and their representatives should approach the concerned govt departments, particularly the transport department, and seek solutions through the appropriate administrative channels.
