Shakti Scheme leaves auto-rickshaw drivers struggling: 20% decline in business reported

A week after the launch of the Shakti scheme, auto-rickshaw drivers in the city are feeling the impact. They report a 20 per cent decline in business since last Sunday.

Many drivers who offer services via ride-hailing applications claim that there is a dramatic drop in the number of requests they receive during peak hours, even for long distances.

Doreswamy H, an auto driver, said, "My account used to be bombarded with five to six requests after each ride. Now, I barely get two or three."

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Already frustrated by bike taxis encroaching on their customer base, Shamanth Prabhu, another driver, added that they have no choice but to increase their fares because the scheme has dealt a significant blow to their earnings.

However, drivers who exclusively offer rides through direct approaches say they have not noticed any change.

"I usually offer rides from metro stations, schools, and colleges. I don't overcharge, so I always find customers," said Sampangi Patel, another driver. Five other conventionally operating drivers also denied claims of dwindling customers.

Unions demand action

C Sampath, general secretary of Adarsha Auto Drivers Union, expressed the challenges faced by auto-rickshaw drivers, emphasising their existing struggles.

"We were already in a huge mess, struggling to recover from the debts incurred during the pandemic, and facing market competition from bike taxis. Now, the Shakti scheme has added to the misery in our lives," he said.

He added that auto-rickshaw unions will bring these issues to the forefront in a meeting promised by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy after June 16.

Bike taxis gaining popularity

On the other hand, Raghu Sabastian, a Rapido bike taxi driver, complained about the unfair harassment bike taxi drivers face from auto-rickshaw drivers.

"Neither are we committing any crime by offering affordable rides nor do we demand extra money like auto-rickshaws do. We earn our living just like them by working; I don't see why they harass us wherever they see us," he argued.

Arjun Das, an advertising agency employee, explained why he chooses bike taxis over auto-rickshaws.

"I stay in Madiwala and use public transport every day. But on some days, when I'm running late, I take a bike taxi to reach home. Autos booked through the app cost around Rs 120-130, whereas bike taxis only cost me Rs 90-100. I rarely find an auto available through the app at night, and when I approach them directly, they ask for Rs 180-200. Hence, I choose bike taxis," he said.