DRIVERS’ DEMAND

Accuse it of cheating them on several frontsFrom earning incentives of Rs 3,000-5,000 per day to haggling over a few hundred rupees, drivers of taxi aggregator Ola claim to be going through a rough phase.Miffed with the aggregator for snipping their incentives, Ola drivers continued their protest at the company’s office in Murugeshpalya for the second day on Tuesday.Ganesh M, a driver, said there were instances in the past of drivers earning incentives between Rs 3,000 to 5,000 for over 10 trips, but now drivers are struggling to get Rs 75 per trip for driving during peak hours.“It is not only a few drivers, but a majority are facing the same problem,” he said.The drivers also accused the aggregator of not crediting incentives as promised for peak hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.They also alleged that Ola was collecting Rs 300 per week for providing the mobile phone and internet services without prior consent.“When we got the mobile, they told us that it is for free and we need not pay any money. But now, they have started deducting money in the adjustable amount. In addition to this, if we face some technical snags in the mobile, Ola expects us to pay Rs 6,000 to get a new one,” said another driver Raghu Kumar.Another driver said the problems started almost two months back.“Till Ola managed to pick up business, it was treating drivers very well. Now, it has got a majority of the taxis in the city and is doing all sorts of tricks to exploit drivers as well as passengers,” he said.Attempts to get in touch with Ola authorities till late evening were unsuccesful.Names of drivers have been changed.* The drivers have been demanding repayment of dues (especially incentives) for driving cars during peak hours, * Deduction of Rs 300 for providing mobiles and other penalty fees for not reporting to duty even for a day. * The drivers alleged that Ola is collecting the amount without prior consent.