Uber non-responsive to drivers' safety issues: Association

Hyderabad, Aug 26 (INN): The Telangana Cabs Drivers & Owners Association has strongly condemned the Uber Cabs for being non-responsive to the crucial issue of driver's safety.

In a media statement, Association president B. Venkatesh Goud informed that an Uber driver D. Srinivas, 32 Yrs, received a booking on August 25 at 4.05 PM for a pick-up at Shalini Hospital, Kachiguda. After waiting for about 10 minutes, the customer came along with one patient. Srinivas informed the customer that the Uber cabs are not allowed to transport patients as they do not have inbuilt equipments for patients. Meanwhile, the patient started screaming in pain and he was rushed back to the hospital for first aid.

Meanwhile, one woman boarded the car on which Srinivas told her that the booking has been cancelled. Although the woman got down from the car, patient's son Saud Bin Saleh and two other relatives abused the driver in filthy language. They attacked him on the head with stone and also damaged the windscreens of his car. Srinivas managed to flee from the spot and dialed 100 for help. The timely arrival of police saved Srinivas' life, Venkatesh Goud said.

Based on a complaint lodged by Srinivas, the Kachiguda Police have registered a case under Sections 324 and 427 IPC against Saud Bin Saleh and others. Shockingly, the Uber management remained non-responsive to the entire incident. "When I informed the Uber management about the attack, they did not respond. They even told me that their role was confined to giving bookings," Srinivas said.

"Uber management is hiring drivers by calling them as 'Partners'. But they are not treating the drivers as 'partners'. When Uber management can take commissions and share profits, it should also stand by drivers when they are in trouble. They simply cannot disown the drivers when they are in trouble," said Telangana State Cabs and Bus Operators Association president Syed Nizamuddin who had approached the higher officials to ensure that a proper FIR is registered against the assailants. He said that there should be no compromise on drivers' safety.

Syed Nizamuddin informed that all Associations of drivers and operators would soon meet to discuss the issues concerning safety of cab drivers. "Drivers are working very hard to earn a decent livelihood. They are not on road to face the wrath of angry passengers or their relatives. It is the duty of all managements to ensure the safety of their drivers and they must stand with them in the time of crisis," he said.