The rise of web-based taxi networks seems to be leading to friction between recognised taxi-driver unions and drivers of online taxi cars in Kochi. According to the city police, they are now keeping a tab on the allegations of online taxi drivers being threatened by members of taxi driver unions.
“There is a friction between the online call taxi drivers and the recognized taxi unions. Two cases of verbal abuse and attack on call taxi drivers have been registered at Fort Kochi and North Police stations,” said Harisankar, Deputy Commissioner of police. The first case was registered about three weeks ago while the second at North police station was registered recently. Online taxi drivers attributed the incident to lesser taxi fares charged by them. “We charge only the rate for travelling the actual distance and not the return fare as the ordinary taxis,’’ said a taxi driver, who earns a living by running hire taxi in a tie-up with Uber.