Hyderabad: Some auto-rickshaw drivers in Hyderabad have put up posters on their vehicles, asking Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to stop white number plate vehicles from operating as passenger transport. These vehicles are associated with app-based companies like Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
Drivers argue that these white number plate vehicles are causing significant financial losses for the city’s auto-rickshaw drivers. Around 2 lakh auto drivers are affected. They claim that these private vehicles not only hurt their income but also reduce government revenue by avoiding commercial vehicle taxes.
The posters call for the Chief Minister’s help, urging him to cancel the white number plate vehicles used for commercial purposes. B Ramakrishna, an auto driver, emphasized that vehicles must have yellow plates to operate as cabs, according to regulations. He stated that the presence of white number plate vehicles operating as passenger transport is harming their livelihood.
The Telangana State Taxi Drivers’ Joint Action Committee has repeatedly informed officials about this issue. They claim that both local auto rickshaw and cab drivers are suffering due to the illegal operation of these private vehicles. These vehicles evade paying road permits, taxes, and license fees required for commercial vehicles.
S Dayanand, an auto union leader, pointed out that the app companies should ensure that private vehicles are not used for commercial purposes. He also mentioned that autos from other districts operating in Greater Hyderabad are further harming local drivers’ income. Dayanand called for the RTA to take action against these vehicles.
Shaik Salauddin, the State president of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), stated that they have approached the Chief Minister, Transport Minister, and Chief Secretary about the issue. He emphasized that the increasing use of private vehicles for passenger transport is severely impacting commercial drivers.
Salauddin added that companies like Rapido, Ola, and Uber are engaging in illegal business practices by using private vehicles for ride-hailing services. He also noted that the state government is losing out on various fees and taxes that should come from commercially registered vehicles.
