The app-based taxi service was affected in Gurugram on Monday as drivers struck work to demand better security arrangements and verification of customers.
The drivers assembled in different parts of the city, including Sector 46 in Gurugram, and claimed that they were striking to address growing concerns about assaults, threats, and abuse by passengers.
Demand for verified passengers
A key demand raised by the protesting drivers is the introduction of compulsory KYC (Know Your Customer) for passengers using ride-hailing platforms.
Preet Kumar, a taxi driver, said that while drivers are required to undergo stringent verification processes, passengers can book taxis without any verification. “What about our safety? We also need protection from fake passengers,” Preet Kumar said in a conversation with a Hindustan Times correspondent.
Drivers said the lack of verified identities has made them vulnerable during trips, particularly at night or in isolated areas.
No clear system to report complaints
The drivers also cited the lack of an appropriate grievance redressal system in ride-sharing platforms. Some drivers claimed they had experienced abusive behavior from passengers but had no way to complain.
“Where are we supposed to report such incidents?” one driver asked during the protest.
The drivers also expressed concern regarding the effectiveness of existing safety features like SOS buttons. They claimed that in some cases, these features had not provided the required assistance.
The protest comes months after the murder of 25-year-old ride-sharing driver Suraj Singh, who was strangled inside his vehicle in January after picking passengers from Sector 37.
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Services disrupted across the city
The strike, which began over the weekend, has impacted cab availability in various parts of Gurugram.
Commuters reported longer waiting times and difficulty in booking rides. Rishika Tiwari, a resident of Sector 38, said she had to wait 10 to 15 minutes for a cab to the nearest metro station, compared to the usual one-minute wait.
Drivers said the protest would continue until their demands are addressed.
