Chandigarh taxi union seeks action against cab aggregators over alleged policy violations

Spread the news

Chandigarh, July 1

The Chandigarh Taxi Union has demanded strict action against app based cab aggregators alleging that several companies are failing to comply with the city’s aggregator policy nearly a year after it came into force. Union president Amandeep Singh said the law requires aggregators to pass on at least 80% of the total ride fare to drivers, while limiting the platform’s commission to a maximum of 20%. He urged the administration to take action against companies that are allegedly violating the rules.

He also demanded that taxi drivers should receive fares ranging between ₹30 and ₹40 per kilometre to ensure a sustainable income. According to Singh, any company whose licence is suspended for violating the policy should not be allowed to continue operating cab services. Highlighting the financial strain on drivers, Singh said rising prices of petrol, diesel and CNG have made it increasingly difficult for taxi operators to earn a livelihood.

Chandigarh’s aggregator policy for app-based taxi services, introduced to regulate companies such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and inDrive, is set to complete one year on the 24th of this month. However, the union alleges that key provisions of the policy remain largely unenforced. The issue has also been raised before Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, with the union expressing concern over the alleged non-compliance by cab aggregators and the lack of enforcement by the administration.

Recalling the union’s protests, Singh said nearly 20 strikes were held before the policy was framed. He noted that the rules provide for ₹5 lakh accident insurance, ₹10 lakh term insurance, establishment of company offices in Chandigarh, and mandatory medical check-ups for drivers every six months, including eye examinations.

The taxi union also complained that the Ola, Uber, Rapido and inDrive are yet to fully implement these provisions and urged the administration to ensure strict enforcement of the policy to safeguard drivers’ welfare and livelihoods.