GUWAHATI: The issue of women’s safety in Guwahati’s app-based cab services has once again come under the magnifying glass following a series of incidents that have raised serious concerns about passenger security.
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While online ride-hailing services like Rapido, Ola, & Uber have implemented stringent safety measures, the issue of offline rides which are generally requested by the cab drivers/riders continue to operate with minimal regulation and oversight.
Riders or drivers generally request female passengers to opt for offline rides by cancelling the booking on the app. This is generally done so that the driver gets the entire amount of the trip, and no part of the fare goes as commission towards the app.
But, with Guwahati’s development and increased reliance on taxi services, women passengers remain vulnerable to such potential threats, especially during late-night or early-morning rides. Several reports over the past year have pointed to instances of harassment and unsafe behaviour from drivers, but the lack of a regulatory framework for these offline taxis has made it difficult for authorities to effectively address these concerns. ‘Offline’ rides make it potentially unsafe, especially for women, as the app or anyone else is unable to track the ride or their location since the booking has been cancelled.
In the past few months, multiple women commuters have raised alarm over their experiences with offline taxi services.
Talking to GPlus, Anindita Roy, a local said, “Offline rides are a huge issue as it is unsafe particularly for women. Many cab drivers/riders request that they take us to our destinations offline. This also causes ruckus with the fare as they also tend to demand more than the usual fare.”
The demand of exorbitant fares or extra on each ride is also increasingly becoming prevalent in the cab services of the city. ‘Olop borhai dibo’, ‘Kiba eta milai dibo’ are some of the common phrases that the riders/drivers generally use to demand more money which should be looked upon by the companies and the authorities.
Many also resort to emotional blackmail or a sob-story which at times helps them fetch more than the original fare. It is, however, argued that the real issue lies in the lack of proper licensing, monitoring, and accountability for drivers of app-based cab taxis.
Many believe the issue is one that requires immediate attention and action, particularly in light of the ongoing conversations about women’s safety in the city. As Guwahati continues to expand as an urban centre, the demand for reliable, safe transportation options will only increase, thus increasing the need for monitoring of such cab services.
