Mixed response to autorickshaw strike

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Auto services in the city were marginally affected on Monday due to the 24-hour strike called by over 20 auto drivers’ unions, under the banner of Bangalore Auto Drivers Unions’ Federation to protest against what they claim is the “illegal” bike and whiteboard taxis found operating in the city.

Commuters across several bus terminals and railway stations were left stranded. Auto drivers have been consistently demanding a ban on bike-taxis, claiming that their functioning has severely affected their livelihood. As part of the protests, auto drivers tried to carry out a rally around 11 am from the city railway station to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s official residence.

Several of them were detained by the police near the city railway station. According to the union, a significant number of auto drivers stayed off roads in solidarity with the strike. Instances of protesting drivers stopping autos ferrying passengers to park their vehicles have also come to light.

M Manjunath, the convener of the federation said that the government authorities have not paid heed to their demands and have been working against the interest of auto drivers. He added that bike-taxi services are being provided with the use of whiteboard twowheelers (which is meant for personal use only), without obtaining a valid licence from the transport department, allowing them to function without any checks and conditions.

Employed persons can also take up the task with their personal vehicles and earn a second income. On the other hand, auto drivers have to invest in their vehicles and obtain a licence to have a profitable livelihood.

The unions have also alleged that the aggregators exploit youngsters through their deceiving incentives. Auto drivers have urged the state government to have a complete ban on bike-taxi services provided by various mobile app-based aggregators and have threatened to continue the agitation until the authorities take a decision.

“Despite working all day and even till midnight, we cannot even make enough money for our basic needs. We will not fall for election gimmicks by the Transport Minister Srimamulu. We want an immediate ban,” said an auto driver.

On the other hand, many commuters took to social media and said that they opt to choose biketaxis over autorickshaws as “they tend to charge over the metre and refuse to travel long distances”.