Taxi-hailing apps drivers strike over low rates

Taxi-hailing apps drivers strike over low rates

Drivers using mobile taxi hailing applications have downed their tools and switched off their taxi applications demanding better pay arrangements with the hailing service providers.

The irate taxi drivers are now demanding all online taxi apps operators set fares jointly to ensure better pay and a fair playground for drivers and taxi owners, faulting lowering of fares per kilometer.

“Our concerns are the fares. We are forced to we work many hours and we are not making anything. The taxi-hailing apps are fighting each other at our expense. We want the government to come in to set a standard price on all taxi hailing apps. Let the online taxis look for other ways of competing,” said Daniel Omondi interim chairman of online taxis in Nairobi.

They are now threatening not to resume duty for as long as it takes to have their grievances addressed, saying the current pay deal leaves them at a disadvantage in term of earnings.

Nairobi Deputy governor Polycarp Igathe has urged the Uber, Teketeke, Harakisha, Mara Moja, Taxify, Mondo Ride, Little Cab taxi and other apps drivers to form a team of 10 meet to him next Monday to chat the way forward.

“We shall consult locally and also tell you on the solutions you have proposed and give a way forward. We are a government for everybody. I will give a formal response on Monday next week at 12 noon,”said Mr Igathe.

Currently, the online car hailing apps services have not returned to normal following today’s strike action in a row over pay.
The company has advised people to check their apps before requesting for changes.

For instance taxify has sent messages to all its customers notifying them of the changes.

Both government and the car hailing apps have agreed to work together to confront challenges that the taxi industry continue to experience on a daily basis as clearly articulated in today’s demonstration,.

“Thank you for being with Taxify and growing together with us as we work towards moving you conveniently, safely and affordably across the city.
We would like to affirm that we are working hard to improve the availability of drivers close to you for your convenience. In the event that you are unable to order for a ride on our app due to availability, please try again after a while. Normal operations should be restored soon.”

Tags:

uber Taxify Mondo Ride Mara Moja taxi apps drivers Teketeke

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories