As app-based call taxis are gaining popularity in the city, taxi drivers have started working overtime to earn more money.
According to tourist taxi operators association, there are over one lakh tourist cabs across the state and over 20,000 in the city. “However, the number keeps changing as many work as call-taxi drivers in between,” says S. Naveen, who drives his own taxi.
He explained that after the call-taxis came, he has lost local trips like those to Chennai Central and airport. “However, I still retain my corporate clients as they need the driver to behave well with their business partners who arrive in the city from all over the world. I have a contract with them and this helps me run the show.” he says.
People like him are canvassing for their taxi on their own and working overtime. “Usually, I used to take one long distance trip per day. Now, after I return form a 260 kilometre trip, I go for shorter trips to the airport. I have my own visiting card and now, I am planning to have local tourism packages at nominal fares. I need to do something different to find more clients,” he adds.
Other drivers like Sathya, who also owns and drives his own taxi in the city, said that he tries to ensure he retains all his customers by treating them well. “That’s the best we can do for now,” he says.
Meanwhile, some call taxi drivers are sceptical about how long they will stick on to the app-based operators.
“Initially, the incentive for plying a particular number of kilometres was good, now that has gone down. So, at times I work for the neighbourhood tourist operators too,” says a driver.
