Bengaluru cab drivers protest outside Uber office over low earnings, alleged booking discrimination

Several cab drivers on November 24 staged a protest in front of Uber's driver centre near in Bommanahalli, Bengaluru over low earnings.

Protesting drivers under the banner of Bharath Transportation Group alleged that the company gives preferential treatment to fleet drivers over independent drivers. They also alleged that Uber is recruiting drivers from outside Karnataka, resulting in a loss of income for local drivers.

Tension prevailed after some drivers tried to force their way into the office by breaking the locked door. Police reached the spot, resorted to a lathi-charge, and detained some of the protesting drivers.

An Uber spokesperson, in a statement, said: "We strongly condemn the use of violence and intimidation by a few individuals who had gathered outside Uber's driver centre in Bengaluru. We also categorically deny any allegation of differential treatment between fleet drivers and independent drivers - our policies are designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all, regardless of their operational model. Uber operates a zero-commission model where drivers retain 100% of fares after a nominal subscription fee."

Drivers also demanded implementation of the One City, One Fare policy. They alleged that although the rule is in effect, Uber is illegally charging double the fare. Drivers accused the company of levying different fares during peak hours, normal hours, and rainy conditions for customers, while not passing on the same benefits to drivers.

N Mohan, general secretary of Bharath Transportation Group, said: "We protested in front of Uber office demanding various things, including implementation of One City, One Fare policy as per the rate fixed by the government. They are mainly giving trips to vehicles in the Uber fleet operated through third-party agencies, not to drivers who own their vehicles.”

"When we went to the Uber office to discuss our demands, they informed the police. The police resorted to a lathi-charge, and around 15 of our members, including our president, were arrested. For fleet vehicles, most drivers have come from other states. They do not have proper police verification or licences, and they are not following Karnataka government’s rules. As per the rules, only those who have lived in Karnataka for at least two years should be given such jobs. Uber is not following any of these norms.”