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Nearly 35,000 traditional <keyword id="1363622" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kaali-Peeli">kaali-peeli</keyword> cabs in <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=mumbai">Mumbai </a>have ditched the traditional route and have decided to take on two of their biggest competitors- <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Ola-is-going-for-the-kill-Uber-already-sees-it-as-competition/articleshow/49088741.cms">Ola</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=uber">Uber</a> head-on by launching an app of their own. 
 Embracing the onslaught of technology enabled businesses, two major taxi unions in Mumbai and have come together and launched its very own app called <keyword id="3202744" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="9211">9211</keyword>, which will be offering instant cab services at government approved rates, no less, which is Rs 22 for the first 1.5 km. 
 Similar to how <keyword id="6354720" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ola">Ola</keyword> and <keyword id="1042120" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Uber">Uber</keyword>’s app work, 9211 will also allow users the facility of locating and booking cabs near them. 
 
According to Prem Singh, the leader of Mumbai Taxi Association, all 35,000 kaali-peeli drivers will be asked to enroll themselves on the app. 
 
The app is expected to be state of the art and come built with safety features, such as an SOS button and GPS tracking, while all movements of the cabs are to be monitored via a centralized control room. 
 
As the venture is in its initial stage, unions have decided to take only cash payment at the moment but officials have indicated that they will soon come up with an online payment option as well. 
 While this launch is an extremely positive sign of traditional old businesses adapting to modern scenarios and opening their eyes to the wonders of technology, it’s still left to see whether the move will actually turn out to be profitable for the cab owners or manage to disrupt even a little of the two <keyword id="6524998" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Cab-aggregators">cab aggregators</keyword>’ loyal customer base. 
 
Granted the kaali peeli cabs have number on their side with a fleet of 35,000 cabs, but what will seal the case in their favour is the ease of transactions on the app and how convenient and efficient the experience is, as compared to an Uber or an Ola. 
 
It’s also interesting to note that just last year Ola had tried its level best to incorporate these Kaali-Peeli cabs into their network and has also launched cash payment to attract customers. However, the idea didn’t take off with a meagre 2500 cabs signing up. 
 
Image credit: Indiatimes

Mumbai’s
kaali-peeli cabs just launched an app, but is it enough to counter Ola and Uber?

<ul><li><keyword id="6354427" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="apple" source="Orion">Apple</keyword> lifted the curtains off its much-awaited own branded retail store in <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>.</li><li>Apple revealed the barricade of its first brick-and-mortar store in India at Jio World Drive Mall in Mumbai, officially marking the upcoming opening of Apple BKC.</li><li>Inspired by the iconic 'Kaali Peeli' taxi art unique to Mumbai, the Apple BKC creative includes colourful interpretations of the decals combined with many Apple products and services that will be available for our customers to discover.</li></ul>New Delhi, After years of wait, Apple on Wednesday finally lifted the curtains off its much-awaited own branded retail store in India, as it ramps up plans to boost local manufacturing in a fillip to the Central government's 'Make in India' initiative. Apple revealed the barricade of its first brick-and-mortar store in India at Jio World Drive Mall in Mumbai, officially marking the upcoming opening of Apple BKC. Inspired by the iconic 'Kaali Peeli' taxi art unique to Mumbai, the Apple BKC creative includes colourful interpretations of the decals combined with many Apple products and services that will be available for our customers to discover. The creative for the store features a bright welcome to people passing by with the classic Apple greeting, "Hello Mumbai". "To celebrate the opening of the new store, visitors can download the new Apple BKC wallpaper and move to the sounds of Mumbai with a specially curated playlist on <keyword id="6425775" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="apple-music" source="Orion">Apple Music</keyword>," said the company. The company is all set to open the gates of the India retail store to the public this month. Apple will also possibly launch a retail store in New Delhi at a later date. The tech giant has set another all-time revenue record for the India market, along with quarterly records in Brazil and India. Apple CEO <keyword id="191843" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tim-cook" source="Orion">Tim Cook</keyword> said recently that looking at the business in India, "we set a quarterly revenue record and grew very strong double digits year over year and so we feel very good about how we performed". "That's despite the headwinds that we talked about. India is a hugely exciting market for us and a major focus. We broughtAthe online store there in 2020. We will soon bring Apple Retail there," Cook had announced in February. He said that Apple actually did fairly well through Covid in India. "That's the reason why we are investing there by bringing retail there, bringing the online store there and putting out a significant amount of energy there. I'm very bullish on India," the CEO added. Apple sold 2 million <keyword id="57315" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="iphones" source="Orion">iPhones</keyword> in India in the holiday quarter (Q4) of 2022, registering 18 per cent growth (quarter-on-quarter) for its flagship device. The India market share of iPhones reached 5.5 per cent for 2022, an 11 per cent growth (year-on-year). SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/cert-in-warns-of-high-severity-vulnerabilities-in-apple-products-urges-immediate-action/articleshow/99231900.cms">CERT-In warns of high-severity vulnerabilities in Apple products, urges immediate action</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/googles-new-features-to-simplify-travel-planning-including-a-mobile-friendly-hotel-browsing-feature-a-price-guarantee-badge-for-flights-and-more/articleshow/99235884.cms">Google’s new features to simplify travel planning, including a mobile-friendly hotel browsing feature, a price guarantee badge for flights, and more</a>

Apple reveals first glimpse of its grand India retail store in Mumbai

Last year, transport minister Nitin Gadkari said that road accidents are “more serious than the COVID-19 pandemic," and this is corroborated by the data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau. Over 1.55 lakh lives were lost in road crashes across India just in 2021, says a recent report by the NCRB. So, every day 425 people lose their lives on Indian roads and the recent high-profile death of former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry has put the spotlight yet again on <keyword id="87280" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="road-safety" source="Orion">road safety</keyword>. <div type="image" title="Over 1.55 lakh lives were lost in road crashes across India just in 2021: NCRB" msid="94084328" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Over 1.55 lakh lives were lost in road crashes across India just in 2021: NCRB&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The report said that during 2021, two-wheelers have contributed 44.5% of total road accidental deaths (69,240 deaths), followed by cars at 15.1% with 23,531 deaths and trucks or lorries had a 9.4% contribution (14,622 deaths). <div type="image" title="Road accident fatalities have gone up since 2020" msid="94084331" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Road accident fatalities have gone up since 2020&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The report also highlighted that overspeeding remains the biggest cause of road accidents—contributing to 56% of the total road crash deaths (87,050 deaths), followed by dangerous or careless driving, contributing to 27.5% of total crash deaths (42,853 deaths). Most of these road accidents in India have happened on national highways. India accounts for about 2% of motor vehicles globally. Yet, it is the <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/india-accounts-for-11-per-cent-of-global-death-in-road-accidents-world-bank/article33834556.ece">home </a>to more than 11% of the world’s road traffic deaths. According to a <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/it-s-time-to-put-an-end-to-india-s-road-safety-crisis/story-FrTmaEoqfKC1EnoryY4nxN.html#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20United%20Nations,rate%20of%2043%20a%20day.">UN study</a>, India loses 3% of its GDP to road accidents by removing prime-age adults from the workforce. Despite the high number of fatalities, in India, people wearing seat belts is a rare sight. While rear seat belts have been mandatory under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, most kaali peeli taxis don’t even have seat belts for passengers. <div type="image" title="Most kaali peeli taxis don’t even have seat belts for passengers" msid="94084343" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Most kaali peeli taxis don&amp;#8217;t even have seat belts for passengers&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Rear seat belts prevent fatality According to the World Health Organisation, the use of rear seat belts can prevent fatality by 25% and injuries by 75%. <div type="image" title="Use of rear seat belts can prevent fatality by 25% and injuries by 75%: NCRB" msid="94084418" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Use of rear seat belts can prevent fatality by 25% and injuries by 75%: NCRB&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Reports suggest that Mistry was seated in the back and was not wearing a seatbelt. Now, after Mistry’s demise has sent shockwaves across the country, Gadkari said that even chief ministers don’t follow safety rules. Some ministers even use a clip so that the alarm does not make any sound, said Gadkari, when there is no belt. After the incident, Gadkari also said that the ministry is now working towards making six airbags compulsory in all cars. It was not too long ago, just in February 2022 that the Indian <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/auto/cars/govt-makes-three-point-seat-belts-mandatory-for-all-front-facing-passengers-in-car/articleshow/89501540.cms">government </a>had also made it mandatory for automakers to provide three-point seat belts for all front-facing passengers in a car, which is also applicable for the middle seat in the rear row of a car. It is also stated in the rules Motor Vehicles Act 138(3) that fastening seat belts is compulsory for passengers sitting in the front as well as the rear seats. However, India fails to follow the law of its land. As per a 2019 report by SaveLIFE Foundation, less than 1% of people in India use rear seat belts. 37.8% of all the people surveyed didn’t even know that any such legal compulsion existed. While 23.9% of people didn’t even know that rear seat belts existed. The centre has also made it compulsory for all cars to have six airbags across from October 1. After losing his ‘good friend,’ minister Gadkari said that all cars exported out of India have 6 airbags and asked then why Indian cars have only four airbags. What India can learn from other countries In 1997, Sweden adopted a ‘Vision Zero’ policy based on the idea that “no loss of life was acceptable.” The policy did not focus on changing human behaviour, the emphasis was on designing a better system of roads and other infrastructure, vehicle technology and enforcement. On the other hand, Singapore uses advanced warning lights that alert drivers about the upcoming signal and vehicle speed. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterlyon/2020/08/27/frightening-consequences-for-drink-drivers-in-japan/">Japan </a>also has a strict policy for drunken drivers. It has a zero percent blood-alcohol level standard for drivers and individuals caught driving under the influence can face imprisonment for up to 15 years. In Switzerland, passengers travelling in the same car as a drunk driver are also considered liable and can lose their own licenses. Apart from strictly enforcing speed limits and other road regulations, Norway has found a unique approach to reduce its fatalities. It has made it mandatory for drivers to always have their headlights on while driving. Safety measures taken by automakers From installing airbags and adding stringent seatbelt alarms to running awareness campaigns, automakers have been trying to up safety for India’s car passengers. Maruti, Hyundai and Tata Motors offer six airbags across some models. Luxury car companies like Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volvo are also offering six airbags and the number increases on the higher-end models. Safety rules you must follow To stay safe, one must <a href="https://highwaypolice.maharashtra.gov.in/en/road-safety-guideline/#:~:text=Always%20obey%20Road%20safety%20rules,as%20markets%20and%20residential%20areas.">obey </a><keyword id="1501776" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="road-safety-rules" source="Orion">road safety rules</keyword> and regulations of India. <ul><li>Look for the traffic signs before you cross signals. </li><li>Drive within the speed limits prescribed. Ideally one should drive at approximately not more than 30 kmph near busy places such as markets and residential areas.</li><li>Keep vehicle oiled and serviced. A sudden breakdown of the vehicle on the road can cause hardships not only to you but also to fellow drivers and traffic personnel. </li><li>Stop or slow down your vehicle and allow the pedestrians to crossroads at unmanned/signalled Zebra crossings.</li><li>Always wear seat belts while driving four-wheelers.</li><li>Avoid rash or negligent driving.</li><li>Do not drink and drive.</li><li>Avoid using mobile phones while driving. In case of an urgent call, park the vehicle to the side of the road and put the brake lights on, and allow other motorists to pass by. </li><li>Turn the brake lights ON before stopping so that the vehicles behind can avoid a collision.</li></ul>Here's a small video <div type="image" title="All you need to know about India’s rules for road safety" msid="94084511" hostid="261" sizebytes="1771684" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;All you need to know about India’s rules for road safety&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Before we let you go, here's what we want you to know- Business Insider India brings you SaaS Scions, a 6-part video series chronicling Indian SaaS scions - SaaS leaders who have come to define this sector in India. And now for the world. <div type="image" title="Business Insider India brings you SaaS Scions" msid="94084538" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Business Insider India brings you SaaS Scions&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

SIMPLY PUT: All you need to know about India’s rules for road safety

Pune, Jun 5 () Ride-hailing major Ola on Friday said it has resumed its services in Pune with necessary safety and precautionary measures. Along with Pune, Ola will also be offering its services across major cities such as Mumbai, Nashik, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Solapur, and Amravati. Citizens across these cities will now be able to book both in-city and out-station trips (intra-state only) for their essential travel needs, the firm said in a release. The release said that the firm has also introduced five layers of safety that include strictly adhering to steps that ensure the highest standards of safety and hygiene for every ride. "This includes compulsory mask usage for driver-partners and passengers, deep sanitisation of cars before and after rides, amongst others. A flexible cancellation policy has also been introduced that allows either the passenger or driver-partner to cancel the ride if they feel the other party is not following the rules or not wearing a mask," the release stated. Ola has mandated all vehicles on the platform to follow hygiene and safety standards that will include the cars being cleaned and sanitised before every ride. Dedicated fumigation centres will also be set up across Pune and other cities in Maharashtra to fumigate vehicles and screen driver-health every 48 hours. Anand Subramanian, spokesperson for Ola, said that as per the latest guidelines issued by the Maharashtra government, driver-partners operating three and four-wheelers will be able to serve the mobility needs of Punekars through the Ola platform. "We are thankful to the Maharashtra state government for bringing relief to thousands of auto-rickshaw, kaali-peeli and cab driver-partners whose livelihoods have depended on mobility," he said. Complying with state government regulations, Ola cabs will operate with one driver and two passengers in cabs and auto-rickshaws. SPK MKJ MKJ

Ola resumes services in Pune with safety measures

New Delhi, Mar 31 () Ride-hailing platform Ola on Tuesday said it will offer interest-free credit of up to Rs 3,600 to driver-partners to help them meet immediate household expenses amid the coronavirus pandemic. Under its 'Sahyog' programme, Ola will offer pre-approved credit of up to Rs 3,600 to be disbursed over three weeks using the microfinance lending platform, Avail Finance, a statement said. The amount will be offered interest-free to drivers operating auto-rickshaws, cabs, kaali-peelis and taxis on the Ola platform, it added. "The programme is expected to impact over one lakh families who are in need of liquidity for immediate household expenses. The loan will aim to supplant the incomes of hundreds of thousands of driver-partners who haven't had a steady source of income due to the nationwide lockdown," it said. The credit shall be set off against earnings on the platform over a period upon return of normalcy in business, it added. "'Sahyog' enables them to access micro-credit instantly, in their registered bank accounts, allowing drivers and their families to tide through these difficult times with much needed liquidity. "We are committed to doing everything we can to reduce the economic burden and safeguard the interests of our driver-partners and their families through these unprecedented times," Ola spokesperson said. Ankush Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Avail Finance said the company's platform will help Ola identify eligible driver partners as well as to manage disbursement of credit in real-time. With the implementation of the lockdown, the government has allowed only people in essential services like healthcare, banking and media to commute. Restricted mobility has left driver-partners of cab services like Ola and Uber with no source of income. SR SHWSHW

COVID-19: Ola offers interest-free micro credit to driver-partners

<ul><li><keyword id="1543567" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bhavish-Aggarwal">Bhavish Aggarwal</keyword> donates one year salary towards a <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19">Covid-19</keyword> fund. </li><li>The billionaire entrepreneur reportedly offered 500 cabs to the Karnataka government for Covid-19 work </li><li>They also opened up a crowdfunding campaign with an aim to collect ₹50 crore. </li></ul><keyword id="6354720" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ola">Ola</keyword> founder Bhavish Aggarwal is taking multiple steps to help his drivers. Aggarwal is letting go of his one-year salary to raise funds for his drivers. Now, the billionaire entrepreneur reportedly offered 500 cabs to the Karnataka government for Covid-19 work. While cabs are not plying on the roads due to the lockdown, this could be a way they could be used to tackle the <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> crisis. The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka confirmed the news on Twitter. <div type="twitter" handle="drashwathcn" handlename="Dr. Ashwathnarayan C. N." image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1167305181324668928/vy4pOQzo_normal.jpg" favoritecount="90" retweetcount="17" status="Olacabs has agreed to give 500 OLA vehicles for #Covid_19 related activities in Karnataka. These vehicles will be… https://t.co/O6mKHq3BiC" createdat="1585549932000" id="1244512734693044225"></div>

 Considering that thousands of Ola drivers are left with no work during the lockdown, yet have rents to pay and families to feed, Ola started a driver’s fund to help its partners. The Ola group and its employees are contributing ₹20 crore, while Aggarwal’s one-year salary too will go towards the fund. 
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="bhash" handlename="Bhavish Aggarwal" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1133256267340713984/UaxcE0fi_normal.jpg" favoritecount="1132" retweetcount="305" status="Millions of drivers &amp; their families find themselves without an income today. To support them, we are launching the… https://t.co/ZWRjf8qMth" createdat="1585314565000" id="1243525533729579008"></div>





 They also opened up a crowdfunding campaign with an aim to collect ₹50 crore. 
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="bhash" handlename="Bhavish Aggarwal" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1133256267340713984/UaxcE0fi_normal.jpg" favoritecount="165" retweetcount="35" status="We’re very encouraged by the early support for the #DriveTheDriverFund but we have a long way to go. I urge you all… https://t.co/WAsHO0wQwM" createdat="1585480869000" id="1244223061345234946"></div>





 “The crisis at this time has left thousands of drivers who form the backbone of shared mobility without an income. To support them in this testing time, we are launching the ‘Drive the Driver’ fund which will provide bare-necessities to all driver-partners, across auto-rickshaws and kaali peelis in the form of essential supplies and free medical and emergency support” said Anand Subramanian, spokesperson and Head of communications, Ola. Ola is also offering benefits on insurance for drivers and their spouses against loss of income if they get infected with COVID-19. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/ola-swiggy-paytm-dole-out-benefits-for-drivers-delivery-agents-and-employees-in-the-testing-times-of-coronavirus/articleshow/74768050.cms">Ola, Swiggy, Paytm dole out benefits for drivers, delivery agents and employees in the testing times of Coronavirus</a>

Bhavish Aggarwal gives 500 Ola cabs to transport doctors and medical workers during coronavirus

New Delhi, Mar 27 () Ride-hailing major Ola on Friday launched a fund to support auto-rickshaw, cab, Kaali-Peeli and taxi drivers across India amid the ongoing 21-day lockdown. Besides, Ola co-founder Bhavish Aggarwal will forgo salary for one year that will go towards the fund. Launched under Ola Foundation, the 'Drive the Driver Fund' will support the drivers through contributions from the Ola group, investors and via a crowdfunding platform for citizens and other institutions, a statement said. "The proceeds of the fund will help towards the welfare and upliftment of drivers and their families who have been affected by the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic," it added. Ola Group and employees are contributing an initial capital of Rs 20 crore to the fund and through the crowdfunding campaign, the intent is to raise up to Rs 50 crore. "The mobility industry has been brought to a grinding standstill during these stressed times, and the driver community has been finding it hard to pay for their family expenses without a source of income," the statement said. Ola's initiative aims to bring together multiple stakeholders in the ecosystem such as customers, investors and partner organisations to participate in supporting millions of drivers and their families across India, it added. This initiative will focus on key areas such as emergency support and essential supplies. In due course, Ola Foundation will also take up initiatives to support drivers in areas such as aid for children's education, among others. "Millions of drivers and their families have been affected, and even a humble contribution can have a lasting impact on their wellbeing. We invite all the stakeholders of the mobility industry to join us in every way you can, and support the people who move us in this difficult phase," an Ola spokesperson said. Ola has undertaken a number of measures, including launching a special COVID-19 insurance cover exclusive for their driver partners and their spouses. These steps are aimed at helping driver-partners and customers through the coronavirus outbreak. The number of positive coronavirus case in India has touched 724 till date. SR HRS

COVID-19: Ola launches fund to help drivers, CEO to forego a year salary

<ul><li>In Mumbai, almost <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/uber-ola-drivers-on-strike-heres-the-impact-on-different-cities/articleshow/63361106.cms">60,000 cabs are reportedly off the roads</a> in the city today leaving most commuters stranded. </li><li>The companies initially offered huge overhead payouts to them, but now takes approximately 25% cut from each of their trips. </li><li><keyword id="488032" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maharashtra-Navnirman-Vahatuk-Sena">Maharashtra Navnirman Vahatuk Sena</keyword> has reached out to the police to get the ‘decision makers’ from these companies to meet them and the government, in order to come to an amicable decision </li></ul><keyword id="6354720" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ola">Ola</keyword> and <keyword id="1042120" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uber">Uber</keyword> drivers have gone on an indefinite strike starting midnight 18 March, organised by the <keyword id="13126" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword> Navnirman Vahatuk Sena (MNVS). Though the strike is primarily affecting commuters in Mumbai, there have been some instances of cab unavailability in Delhi and Bangalore too. In Mumbai, almost <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/uber-ola-drivers-on-strike-heres-the-impact-on-different-cities/articleshow/63361106.cms">60,000 cabs are reportedly off the roads</a> in the city today leaving most commuters stranded. We spoke to a couple of drivers in Delhi who seemed to be blissfully unaware of the strike and claim they are happy and have 'no problem' with the company. Uber itself says that only Mumbai and Pune have been affected by the strikes and it’s business as usual in other cities. In a statement to the press, an Uber spokesperson said: We regret the disruption caused to our rider and driver community by a small group of individuals. We remain committed to serving the city, ensuring driver partners can continue to access stable earning opportunities, while giving riders a convenient option to get around their city. The Hon’ble Bombay High Court issued an injunction prohibiting unions, their leaders and anybody else from obstructing the activities of Uber driver partners. We welcome this, and hope that it will enable drivers to stay behind the wheel, something many have been telling us they wish to do. We have been listening to our driver partners all along and are committed to ensuring that Uber remains an attractive entrepreneurial opportunity for them. While the authorities have taken steps to ensure minimal disruption to our rider and driver communities, we hope that they will continue to enforce the order passed by the High Court. However, it's no secret that disgruntled cab drivers who bought in on the rosy picture painted by Uber and Ola, promising a lucrative career and a chance to squeeze into the middle class have today realised that it was nothing but a pipe dream. Initially promised earnings over a lakh per month, people from various walks of lives decided to give up their full-time jobs and even land to cash-in on this. However, today these drivers are finding it difficult to scrounge up enough money to pay up the loans taken to buy their cars. But this isn’t the first time we’ve heard this story. Drivers in India have been complaining about reduced incentives and overall earnings from Uber and Ola for a while now. The companies initially offered huge overhead payouts to them, but now takes approximately 25% cut from each of their trips. While both companies still do have some incentives in place, drivers say they are more difficult to achieve and working for Uber and Ola isn’t the “joyride” it once used to be. Examples overseas... When strikes against Uber first broke out in London back in 2016, Uber’s impact on Black Cab drivers’ income was one of the cornerstones of the movement. “Unite, the union that represents many black-cab drivers, claims the government is biased against their trade and claims light-touch regulation will threaten passenger safety as well as drivers’ incomes,” <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/feb/10/black-cab-drivers-uber-protest-london-traffic-standstill">the Guardian</a> wrote at the time. These strikes have become somewhat commonplace and except for one big win for Uber drivers in the UK in November last year, the results, for the drivers at least, have always been wanting. In the UK, a panel ruled that <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/11/10/british-panels-rules-uber-drivers-employees-not-contractors/851388001/">Uber drivers are employees and not contractors</a>, and therefore entitled to basic protections such as minimum wage and vacation pay. In September last year, Uber was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/sep/22/uber-licence-transport-for-london-tfl">denied the licence to operate by Transport for London</a> (TfL) claiming that the company was not a “fit and proper” operator. Uber’s failure to report ‘serious criminal offences, obtaining medical certificates and driver background checks’ was the main reason behind this decision. This move affected the 40,000 people who worked for Uber, not to mention its 3.5 million users. In 2015, local <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/24/rio-de-janeiro-uber-protest-taxis">cab drivers in Rio de Janeiro protested against Uber</a> because they claimed they were the “official” drivers who were strictly regulated and fewer overhead costs gave them a ‘competitive advantage’. In 2016, Uber decided to cease operations in Austin, Texas because it didn’t find it feasible to comply with the regulation to fingerprint and run thorough background checks on all its drivers. In 2014, both Berlin and Hamburg, Germany voted to ban Uber because it did not <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/aug/14/uber-taxi-service-banned-berlin-safety-grounds">‘do enough to protect its passengers from unlicensed drivers’</a>. The common thread of grievance is a predictable trio -- local taxi operators revolting against Uber’s competitive advantage, security concerns based on Uber’s slack regulation over the choice of drivers with regards to proper background checks, and unethical treatment of drivers. All of these complaints have been cited in India as well, but this is the second time such protests have sprung in as many years. Last year, the Sarvodaya Driver Association of Delhi (SDAD) called for a strike in Delhi against Uber and Ola on similar grounds, though the companies escaped unscathed at the time. Taking cues... The current strike in India hopes to achieve similar results. “This time things will be different because they have partnered with us,” says <keyword id="165480" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sanjay-Naik">Sanjay Naik</keyword>, president of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's (MNVS) transport wing. He believes that the <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-taxi-rules-discriminates-between-black-and-yellow-cabs-and-app-based-taxi-services-bombay-hc-4780461/">privileges that are mandated by law to the Mumbai Kaali Peeli’ (black-and-yellow) taxi drivers</a> should also be applicable to Ola and Uber cabs so that all drivers can benefit from them. He wants the implementation of the <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/some-relief-for-cab-taxi-operators-in-maharashtra/article9921977.ece">BC Khatua Committee’s proposal</a> that includes ‘relaxation of several provisions of the Maharashtra City Taxi Scheme, including lowering the permit fees for all types of cars to a flat ₹10,000 instead of a graded system ranging from ₹75,000 to ₹2.6 lakh under the City Taxi rules.’ He also accused the companies of giving preference to cabs owned by the companies instead of driver-owned cabs. In India, Uber offers to buy cabs that are then passed on to drivers. Drivers effectively work off their debt to the company, by paying a monthly instalment to them. What Naik is insinuating is that Uber gives these drivers more rides than those who register their own cars on the service. What is most interesting, however, is that MNVS hasn’t ruled out going into business for themselves. Naik told us that if things don’t work out, they will consider bringing all the drivers together under one umbrella and take out the middlemen (Ola and Uber). However, for now, the organisation has reached out to the police to get the ‘decision makers’ from these companies to meet them and the government, in order to come to an amicable decision that will not only benefit the drivers monetarily but also implement regulations so that all drivers come under the same law and benefit from it. With the predictable spate of grievances by Uber drivers, commuters and local taxi operators, will Maharashtra take a cue from international events and tighten the leash on the private taxi operators? If it does, will that, in turn, set the precedent for the rest of the country? UPDATE: Ola shared the statement below with us today. “Interest of our driver partners and customer convenience is of paramount importance to us. While, we have seen a slight improvement in our services in Mumbai, however for the situation to improve significantly it is imperative that intimidation of driver partners and vandalism of their cars by vested interests be stopped. New economy companies like us are counting on the police for normalcy to return.”

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