Auto drivers threatening Uber & OLA Taxies near Technopark Trivandrum?

Technoparktoday.com>> Now with the advancement in technology people wish to hire a cab with just a click in smartphone through mobile applications. But be aware if you are near Technopark and trying to board a taxi, make sure that there are no Auto Rickshaw stand or drivers near-by; else you may end up in a dispute and cannot reach your destination on time.

TechnoparkToday has received multiple complaints regarding harassment faced by cab drivers from auto drivers’. Among the cabs, Ola and Uber are the most affected. It is said that the issue started when initially techies approached auto drivers and since they demanded a huge fare, techies started utilizing mobile apps to hire cabs which were more cheaper and convenient to travel.

Recently one of the techies, Sesharaj raised a complaint since he came across multiple negative experiences. He is a regular user of the app based cabs and whenever he books a cab from Technopark, driver would request him to stay where no auto drivers can identify him boarding the cab. Once his friends were forcefully asked to get down from the cab by an auto driver .

He has already raised a complaint in Chief Minister cell, later the case was routed to Commissioner of Police but unfortunately no further actions were taken. Team TechnoparkToday did a verification and identified that these issues still persist in and around Technopark premises; even cab drivers are literally afraid to pick up the passengers from here. Incident of such harassment faced by the cabbies was when the bonnet of a cab was damaged and another driver informed us that he was beaten by a group of auto drivers after being followed till Kochuveli railway station where the passengers had disembarked the cab.

Even though the situations are worse, the cab helpdesk hesitates to officially declare any complaint or provide a statement on this dispute. This issue has been discussed during the DCP meet at Technopark and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Shri Siva Vikram has clearly stated that going forward for any such incidents that are being reported, severe action would be taken against those auto drivers- if required, the license of those drivers would be barred.

“It is an individual’s right to choose his/her mode of transportation. In case of any such issues, Techies need to immediately share the registration number of the Auto to Kazhakootam/Thumba Police Station, so that they could take further action to eradicate this issue.” – says Shri SivaVikram.