The ongoing strike by drivers of ride-hailing platforms Ola and Uber continued into its third consecutive day on Thursday, causing widespread disruption across Mumbai. With a significant drop in the availability of app-based cabs, daily commuters were left struggling to find rides, particularly during peak hours in the morning and evening.
Despite intervention from the Maharashtra government, the standoff shows little sign of resolution. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik met with representatives of the striking drivers on Wednesday in an effort to address their concerns. However, his attempt to mediate did not yield the desired outcome.
“I held discussions with the drivers’ representatives. I’m unsure why the strike is still ongoing. If they are continuing the protest even after talks, it is not right. We have explained the situation to them in detail,” Sarnaik told Times Now.
While some segments of the taxi unions have shown mild optimism after the minister’s assurances, a majority of drivers remain unsatisfied. They continue to push for key changes such as an equal fare structure compared to traditional black-and-yellow taxis, a reduction in commissions deducted by app aggregators, a standardised base fare to ensure steady earnings, a complete prohibition of bike taxis, and full enforcement of the Gig Workers’ Welfare Act. These long-standing issues, drivers argue, have eroded their ability to earn a sustainable income.
Commuters Feel The Pinch
The strike has had a cascading effect on Mumbai’s daily life. With fewer cabs on the roads, wait times for rides have shot up, and surge pricing has driven fares to unaffordable levels. Airport travelers and school-goers have been particularly impacted, with some reporting delays of up to 30–40 minutes and repeated cancellations of the cabs leading to difficult situations.
