New Haryana road tax throws Ola, Uber out of gear
Commuters wishing to travel from Delhi to Gurugram have been facing inconveniences in the wake of a new motor tax by the Haryana government. Haryana enforced this new tax on cabs entering the state from April 1. Since then, most Ola and Uber drivers have refused to make the journey; some have also launched protests.
Haryana's new tax
Earlier, vehicles had to pay road tax of Rs. 950 every three months, but now, four-seaters have to pay Rs. 100 every time they enter Haryana, and seven-seaters have to pay Rs. 500. It has also led to massive queues at the toll gates.
Drivers suffer due to new tax
The tax is forcing drivers to spend long hours at the border while waiting their turn. "When we protested against app-based aggregators earlier this year, the Haryana government had intervened and gave us reassurance that driver's demands will be fulfilled and ease their lives. However, the new tax collection system has only added to the burden," said Kamaljeet Singh, president of Sarvodaya Drivers Association.
Commuters in trouble
"After two unsuccessful attempts, an Ola driver agreed to ply towards Gurgaon. One driver said he is part of a protest...while another said the lines at the border for payment of taxes deter him from heading there," said Dhruv Virmani, a resident of Shanti Niketan.
Drivers threaten indefinite strike if fee not rolled back
Drivers' unions in Delhi, including Sarvodaya Drivers Association, held a protest march from Mata Sundari College to Haryana Bhawan against the new tax. Protesters shouted slogans against the Haryana government and burnt effigies of CM Manohar Lal Khattar. Unions have warned of indefinite strike unless the hike is reversed. Over 80,000 cabs are likely to participate.
