Chennai auto drivers hold candlelight rally for fare revision

Auto-rickshaw drivers in Chennai are holding a candlelight rally from Egmore to Fort St George to demand a revision of fare rates and better regulation of app-based aggregators. The protest, organized by the All Auto Workers' Trade Union Federation, also serves as a tribute to Mohammed Ibrahim, a driver who died by suicide following financial hardships.

Federation coordinator S. Balasubramaniam stated that fares have not been updated since 2013, despite significant increases in the costs of fuel, insurance, spare parts, and vehicle permits. Drivers also cited competition from app-based services like Ola, Uber, and Rapido, which they claim use surge pricing to their advantage, as well as the rise of two-wheeler taxis and expanded public transport options like the Chennai Metro and free bus travel for women.

The union is calling on Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to revise meter fares, regulate or ban two-wheeler taxis, and address alleged harassment from officials and corruption at welfare offices. They are also seeking a government-backed mobile application to assist drivers.