Auto drivers launch campaign to uninstall Rapido app

BENGALURU: Autorickshaw drivers in Karnataka have raised a banner of protest against the Rapido service. Auto drivers who were getting passengers through the app are now launching a campaign to uninstall the bike taxi app.

The drivers have been demanding a ban on unauthorized bike taxis, which they claim, hits their earnings. Despite multiple requests to the government, no action has been taken, prompting the drivers to take matters into their own hands. The campaign has gained momentum, with over 1,00,000 auto drivers in Bengaluru alone uninstalling the Rapido app.

The drivers had been using the app, along with Ola and Uber, to earn a living. However, with the rise of bike taxis, they claim their incomes have been severely impacted. The campaign has also had an effect on the company, with some CNG gas stations offering special discounts to drivers who uninstall the app.

Over 50 auto driver associations have joined the campaign, urging other drivers to uninstall the app. With 1.5 lakh autos registered in Bengaluru and many more unregistered, the campaign is likely to have a significant impact. Cab drivers have also joined the campaign by uninstalling the Rapido app. The company is now contacting drivers not to delete the app, with some drivers receiving phone calls.

Sunil, a member of the Auto Drivers’ Association, said, “There is no official recognition, from neither the government nor the transport department, for such unauthorized taxis. We had installed the app just for Digital India. We were requested to stop using the Rapido service. The issue is in court and we have been fighting for a long time. Uninstalling the app is the only way left for us to protest against Rapido”.

Another auto driver, Manju, said, “We are not getting customers due to Rapido bike taxis. The bikes are much more affordable than autos. So people are switching to bike taxis and this has adversely affected our earnings. Everyone is suggesting us uninstall the Rapido app, and the campaign will go on until we get some response from the government”.