Finding it tough to get cabs in Bengaluru? It's because of elections

The long waiting time for cabs has prompted commuters in the city to look for alternatives to commute within the city.

news Transport

Finding it difficult to book a cab in Bengaluru today? The reason could be due to lesser number of drivers on the road in the city due to elections.

Tanveer Pasha, President of the Karnataka Auto and Taxi Drivers and Owners Federation, said that as many as 1500 to 2000 Ola and Uber drivers had not logged in on Thursday due to elections. "The number of drivers on the road today has reduced by 1500 to 2000 drivers. While many have left for Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra to vote in the elections, others have given their vehicles for election related work and are also taking up outstation trips as they do not want to be in the city at this time. This means that there are lesser cabs on the roads today," explains Tanveer.

This has prompted commuters in the city to look for alternatives to commute within the city. Users have had to wait longer to avail cabs in many parts of the city.

Tanveer further adds that drivers are engaged in work in their home towns as well. "Many drivers have asked to drive their car in their hometowns by people known to them for political work. All these factors add up in reducing the number of options available for users," adds Tanveer.

Krishna, a cab driver with Uber, claimed that the availability of drivers would be an issue until the end of the elections in Karnataka since many drivers will go home during this time. "I have to go to vote in any case, so I will go early to my home town. I will drive my car there for a few days and come back after the elections," Krishna, who lives in Chintamani said.

Meanwhile, both Ola and Uber representatives refused to disclose the number of drivers working in the city.