App-Based Taxi Strike Disrupts Transport Across Andhra Pradesh

A one-day strike by app-based taxi services, including Ola, Uber, and Rapido, disrupted private transport across Andhra Pradesh on Saturday. Autos, bikes, and taxis remained off the roads, with many vehicles parked at bus stands, railway stations, and public places in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, and other cities.

The strike was observed following a nationwide call by transport unions. Drivers did not accept ride requests through mobile applications during the day. Operators demanded the implementation of a minimum base fare and strict action against unauthorised transport vehicles. They also sought regulation of night-time fares.

They urged both the Central and State governments to fix a minimum fare for app-based services, curb illegal operators, and prevent arbitrary pricing during late hours.

“There is no minimum fare for online taxi services, which is causing heavy losses. We are carrying three passengers for just Rs 80, even for trips beyond 2 km. We request the government to fix a base fare,” said E. Rambabu, a Rapido operator from Visakhapatnam.

Another bike taxi operator, Ramakrishna, said fares remained the same during the day and night. “At midnight, we ferry passengers up to 5 km from bus and railway stations for just ₹100,” he said.

The strike caused severe inconvenience to commuters, especially at railway stations, bus terminals, hotels, malls, and other busy locations since early morning. “I tried three times to book an auto from the Pandit Nehru Bus Station in Vijayawada to go home, but no one accepted the ride,” said D. Sailaja, a commuter.