Ola, Uber, Rapido strike today: No cabs available? Commuters brace for travel disruptions amid ‘All India Breakdown’

A union of app-based taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers has announced a one-day strike on Saturday to press several demands, including addressing concerns over the installation of panic buttons, low income, and exploitation.

As reported by PTI, in a statement, the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha said drivers of app-based taxis and auto-rickshaws nationwide will observe the February 7 strike to protest “illegal” bike taxi services and the “arbitrary” fare policies of ride-hailing platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido.

According to the unions, the agitation is being organised against the continued failure of the Central and State Governments to notify minimum base fares under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. Despite the existence of these guidelines, aggregator companies continue to unilaterally fix fares, pushing workers into unsustainable working conditions and forcing longer working hours for declining earnings.

"While there are 140 panic button device providers approved by the Central Government, the State Government has declared nearly 70% of these companies unauthorized. As a result, cab drivers are being forced to remove previously installed devices and spend approximately ₹12,000 unnecessarily to install new devices, causing severe financial hardship," the statement said.

The drivers' body also flagged concerns over loss of income due to an increase in the number of auto-rickshaws under the open permit policy, and alleged that victims of accidents involving illegal bike taxis are denied insurance benefits.

Speaking to ANI on Friday, Union President Shaik Salauddin said the delegation highlighted the challenges faced by gig workers during the half-hour meeting.

(This is a developing story; check later for updates)