AIRTWF Calls for Revoking Uber's Bus Service permit
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THE All India Road Transport Workers Federation (AIRTWF), in a statement issued on May 21, has urged the Delhi government to revoke permission for aggregator Uber to operate buses in Delhi. Recent reports from media sources indicate that the transport department of the Delhi government has granted Uber permission to run buses in the city. AIRTWF strongly opposes this decision as it poses significant risks to the drivers, the people of Delhi, and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). Granting permission to Uber as an aggregator is a policy matter, and doing so during the model code of conduct is a violation. AIRTWF urges the Delhi chief minister to intervene and withdraw permission. It has also suggested that a meeting be organised with all trade unions and passenger associations to address these concerns and explore ways to improve public transportation through the DTC.
The Motor Vehicle Amendment Act of 2019 introduced Clause 36 to Section 93 of the Principal Act. This clause grants licenses to aggregators, with the intention of allowing giant corporations to take control of the entire road transport sector. Trade unions in the transport sector strongly opposed this amendment act, and organised nationwide struggles, including strikes. Despite the opposition, parliament approved the amendment act on July 31, 2019, and it received the president's assent on August 8, 2019. This move threatens to eliminate the majority of small owner-cum-drivers, who constitute around 90 per cent of total transport vehicles in the country. It is worth noting how aggregator companies like Uber/Ola have exploited drivers, squeezing their hard-earned money, leading to strikes and even suicides among drivers. Additionally, passengers face burdensome fares without transparency, encountering various difficulties.
It is undeniable that passengers are encountering hardships due to inadequate and inefficient public transport provided by the DTC. This shortfall has led to a surge in personalised transport, contributing to traffic congestion, heightened pollution levels, increased travel time, and even accidents. In light of these challenges, it is crucial and urgent to expand the DTC, ensuring it can adequately meet passengers' travel needs. This requires financial support from both the centre and state governments.
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