TL;DR: Starting March 24, cab drivers in Hyderabad from services like Ola, Uber, and Rapido are launching a 'No AC Campaign' to protest low fares and high operational costs. They're urging passengers to understand their plight and consider tipping for AC usage.
Hey Hyderabadis! 🌆 Got some sizzling news that's hotter than our summer sun! ☀️🔥 From March 24, if you're hopping into an Ola, Uber, or Rapido cab, brace yourselves for a breezy ride—without the cool comfort of air conditioning! 😅🚗💨
What's Cooking? 🍳
Our city's cabbies are hitting the brakes on AC usage, kickstarting a 'No AC Campaign'. Why, you ask? Well, they're feeling the heat—not just from the soaring temperatures but from the pinch in their pockets too! 💸😓
The Inside Story 📖
These drivers are revving up this protest to spotlight the unfair pricing by ride-hailing biggies like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. 🚖💼 They're saying the current fares are so low that even auto-rickshaws are cruising ahead in earnings! Imagine that! 🛺💨
Fueling the Fire ⛽🔥
Here's the math that's driving them up the wall:
Earnings per km: ₹10-12
Cost per km with AC on: ₹16-18
See the gap? It's like trying to fill a diesel tank with petrol money! 🤑⛽
Voices from the Road 🛣️
Shaik Salahuddin, the head honcho of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU), shared that there's a whopping ₹300-400 difference between what cab aggregators charge and what pre-paid taxis rake in. Plus, our cabbies are cooling their heels for 3-4 hours at the airport for a return trip, only to hand over 30% of their fare to the app companies. Talk about a bumpy ride! 🛤️💔
What's the Demand? 📢
The TGPWU is honking for a uniform fare structure, much like the government-approved prepaid taxi fares. This would factor in:
Fuel costs ⛽
Maintenance 🛠️
Fair driver compensation 💰
Summer's Here, and It's Sweaty! 🌞💦
With temperatures climbing, a non-AC ride can feel like a trip to the sauna. 🥵 But our cabbies aren't out to make you sweat. They're simply asking for a little empathy and maybe a tip if you really need that cool breeze during your ride. 💖🌬️
What's Next? 🔮
The 'No AC Campaign' is just the first gear. Some drivers are even considering parking their cabs for good by surrendering their vehicles to the Road Transport Authority (RTA). 🚗🔑
MediaFx's Take 🎤
At MediaFx, we stand in solidarity with our hardworking cab drivers. They're the wheels that keep our city moving, often under scorching suns and starry nights. It's high time these ride-hailing giants recognize the value of these drivers and ensure they're not just surviving but thriving. After all, a fair day's wage for a fair day's work isn't just a slogan—it's a right. ✊🚕
Your Turn! 🗣️
What do you think about this 'No AC Campaign'? Will you be tipping your driver for that cool comfort, or are you ready to brave the heat in support of their cause? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Let's get this conversation rolling! 🗨️🔥
