Hyderabad: Why cab drivers are refusing to turn on ACs
What's the story
Hyderabad cab drivers have launched a 'No AC campaign' against the rates set by ride-hailing services like Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) is spearheading the movement.
They are demanding these companies follow a standardized fare structure that takes into account fuel costs, maintenance fees, and driver compensation.
The union had earlier organized a similar campaign in April 2023 for the same reasons.
Economic disparity
Drivers' earnings vs AC operational costs
The TGPWU has pointed out a stark difference between what drivers earn and what it costs them to operate air conditioning (AC) in their vehicles.
The union said drivers earn ₹10-12 per kilometer after commission, while running the AC costs them ₹16-18 per kilometer.
This makes it impractical for them to run AC during rides without extra compensation from customers.
Union's strategy
TGPWU's demands and future plans
Shaik Salauddin, founder and president of the TGPWU, argued fare algorithms ignore rising fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and extreme summer heat.
Cab drivers won't even turn on AC unless customers voluntarily tip to cover the cost, he said.
Their main demand is a standard fare per km that takes into account operating costs and regulation of aggregator pricing policies.
If their demands aren't met, they will escalate this campaign nationwide with other unions across India.
Protest escalation
Drivers boycott airport trips
Along with the 'No AC campaign,' Hyderabad drivers have also been boycotting airport trips, protesting high fares by aggregators.
The TGPWU wants cab aggregators to adopt a uniform fare structure like government-mandated prepaid taxi fares, which take into account fuel costs, maintenance, and fair compensation for drivers' services.
Salauddin claimed there was a difference of ₹300-400 between fares of aggregators and pre-paid taxis.