App-based aggregators like Ola and Uber are allowing vehicles from other States to operate in Hyderabad, which goes against the Motor Vehicle Act. Despite warnings from traffic police and road transport authorities, these out-of-state cabs are still seen on the roads, especially those serving IT companies.
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union reported that thousands of vehicles from neighbouring States are operating in the city with temporary permits and only paying border taxi fees. Instead of leaving after their permits expire, they continue to operate illegally within the city limits, primarily through aggregator companies like Ola and Uber.
The TGPWU State President, Shaik Salauddin, has urged authorities to enforce regulations, ensure all vehicles have necessary permits, and pay appropriate taxes. They also called for penalties for non-compliance and for app-based aggregators to prevent the registration of non-compliant vehicles.
In a letter to the Transport Commissioner, TGPWU highlighted the rise in illegal cab services by private vehicles during festive seasons. This poses risks to passenger safety and affects the business of registered cab drivers. The union requested uniform fares for city taxis, crackdowns on hotspots for illegal cabs, and strict action against aggregator companies and out-of-state vehicles operating illegally in Telangana.
