My Story: A Mumbaikar Describes The Difficulty Of Getting An Auto In Mumbai And Why People Prefer Cab Over Them

Autorickshaw unions across Mumbai were supposed to go on an indefinite strike since August 29 to protest against the growing popularity of cab aggregators such Uber and Ola adversely affecting their business. The transport minister Diwakar Roate intervened and the strike has been postponed till September 1. Reiterating to the strike, A Mumbaikar has a strong message to send.

“Yesterday morning, I asked an autorickshaw driver if he will take me to Seven Bungalows. As usual, he refused, and just stood there. Then I asked another passing autorickshaw. He too refused and ran off. I asked a third one, he did not even bother to stop. Still, clinging on to dear hope, I requested one more empty auto. He just went off even without bothering to say “No”.

Then I turned towards the first auto guy, who was standing there watching my futile efforts nonchalantly. I showed him my Uber app, and booked a cab within 30 secs, though with a nominal surge. Then I told him in Hindi that he should remember the past 10 minutes that he saw when the auto unions go on strike this Monday. I tried four autos and then booked an Uber at surge price.

I have few inputs to share:

1. The business that the autos lose is not because of Uber/Ola. The fact is that the business that Uber/Ola get is because of the auto rickshaw drivers.

2. A thing the auto guys need to remember – a Mumbaikar has enough money, but no time. So he will take an Uber immediately if you idiots waste his time.

3. Begging every morning to auto guys to do their duty is not a Mumbaikar’s idea of starting his day.

4. Union’s won’t get you your passengers back. Commitment will. And yes, strikes will just drive the customers further away from you.

5. Auto Strike is awesome. Makes my Mumbai beautiful.

And finally, an inference for the Government, especially IF YOU ARE MY FRIEND, SHARE THIS POST :

If the government bows to the unions’ pressure for the vote bank of auto-wallahs(half of them are anyway illegal), you lose my vote for sure and I am a part of that largely ignored but nevertheless huge vote bank called COMMON MAN whom the Congress just noticed in the last elections.

– A Mumbaikar”

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