Guwahati: With online cab drivers continuing their indefinite protest, commuters across Guwahati are increasingly bearing the brunt of the agitation, facing difficulty in securing rides and having to pay higher fares for alternative modes of transport.The ongoing protest has disrupted an important mode of daily transport in the city, particularly affecting passengers who depend on app-based cabs to travel to their workplaces, railway stations, hospitals and other destinations.“First, I had to wait for my cab for an hour, after which the driver cancelled the ride. I then booked an auto, but instead of accepting the ride through the app, the driver asked me to take it offline. A trip that usually costs me around Rs 80 ended up costing me Rs 200 for such a short distance. This was extremely inconvenient and unfair,” said Reshmi Devi, a college-going student.Another passenger in a similar situation said, “For people working late and travelling long distances, an app cab isn’t a luxury; it is often the safest way to get home.”The suspension of services entered its second day on Wednesday, with drivers continuing to press for higher fares and changes to the existing fare structure. The protesting drivers have also reportedly been obstructing other online cab drivers from operating, further affecting the availability of cab services in the city.“The govt should at least hear our demands. We don’t need much. Even if they give us Rs 20-30 per km, it would help us somehow. We have to pay taxes. How are we supposed to earn now? We pay taxes on everything, starting with our vehicles, and even when we pay for some service, the aggregators collect tax. Then there is tax collection at the toll gates too. Whenever we try to do something for our livelihood, they don’t let us do it properly. Why is the govt not taking any steps for us?” said Haren Rabha, an online cab driver.Drivers have demanded a minimum fare of Rs 25 per km for smaller vehicles and Rs 30 per km for larger vehicles. They argue that the existing rates are inadequate to cover rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance and other operating expenses.
