Mumbai: The Aamchi Mumbai app for black-and-yellow (kaali-peeli) taxis introduced a month ago has been able to rope in only 3,000 drivers as members.
The app was meant to be the kaali-peeli taxis’ answer to app-based aggregator cabs however sources said that the delay in deciding fares of Ola and Uber under the new policy was the reason behind the tepid response to the app.
A black-and-yellow taxi driver Upendra Singh (name changed to protect identity) said, “I haven't joined the app launched by the union because right now, it doesn’t make sense as Ola and Uber rates are just the same. People still find it more economical so once the fares of these aggregators are renewed in accordance with the new government policy, I will join the app.”
Union leaders like A.L. Quadros said that they would wait it out till the Khatua committee submitted its report by July 31. “Until the committee submits its report, fares of Ola/Uber will remain popular but once they are on par with the new fares, it will give us a fair chance to compete with them.”
Prem Singh, who heads another union which had joined forces with Quadros said that the number 3,000 should not be viewed negatively. “Another way of looking at it is that despite the fact that scales are tipped in their favour, our drivers are putting up a fight by joining the app, albeit slowly and steadily.”
There are 40,000 taxis in the city driven by more than one lakh drivers in shifts to earn a living.
