GUWAHATI: Traffic congestions have been a growing problem in the city. Apart from private vehicles contributing much to this problem, officials say that app-based Ola and Uber taxi services are adding to the existing problem.
According to an estimate of the Transport department, around 750 to 850 Ola and Uber cabs can run in different parts of the city. In reality, about 12,000 such cabs are plying on the city roads.
“Commercial permits to operate Ola and Uber cabs in Kamrup (Metropolitan) district were given to 700 to 750 individuals till 2018. Since then, no commercial permits were issued. A huge number of unemployed youths are driving app-based taxis in the city by obtaining commercial permits from other districts,” a senior transport department official said.
All Guwahati Cab Drivers’ Union (AGCDU) refuted the claim. AGCDU president Ibrahim Ali said, “Many unemployed youths are earning their livelihood by driving Uber and Ola cabs. But these companies are exploiting the unemployment problem in the State. These companies include the vehicles purchased by the unemployed youths through bank loans under their app-based services and charge 25 percent commission from their total earnings. The companies do not properly verify documents such as commercial permits. The officials of these companies use their clouts in Dispur to manage the transport department officials so that the Ola and Uber cabs ply without hindrances even if the number of such vehicles crosses the excess limit.”
For a fact, Bangalore is the world’s most congested city. Mumbai and Pune in the top 5. New Delhi ranks 8, according to TomTom Traffic Index that came out with its latest report on the top congested cities in the world.
“Bengaluru takes the top spot this year with drivers in the southern Indian city expecting to spend an average of 71% extra travel time stuck in traffic. Next in the global rankings are Philippine capital, Manila (71%); Bogota in Colombia (68%); last year’s most congested city, Mumbai (65%); and Pune (59%), also in India; making up the top five most congested cities in the world,” according to a press release.
In the US, the top five most congested cities are Los Angeles (42%), New York (37%), San Francisco (36%), San Jose (33%) and Seattle (31%).
Overall, traffic congestion has increased globally during the last decade.
“Covering 416 cities across 57 countries on 6 continents, our Traffic Index ranks urban congestion worldwide and provides free access to city-by-city information. You, along with drivers, city planners, automakers and policymakers, can use the index to help tackle traffic-related challenges. Now in its 9th year, the index uses real-time and historical data to give you even more insights,” the website mentions.