App cab drivers continue to face threats from taxi unions

T'puram: The new govt may have to crack down on the high-handedness of autorickshaws and taxi unions, which is harming the tourist experience in Kovalam. An app cab driver was attacked by local taxi drivers when he dropped tourists at Kovalam beach on May 3. A case was registered against four local drivers. However, police action does not seem to be a deterrent because the unionized taxi drivers have been threatening app cab drivers for dropping and picking up tourists from Kovalam.Though there have been complaints from tourists and representations from tour operators and hospitality industry to rein in the local taxi drivers, the previous state govt did not act against them. Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) wants strong action to protect the reputation of the state as a safe, progressive and business-friendly place. "We urge govt and the DGP to take stringent action against the culprits, ensure protection for all legally operating service providers and implement effective preventive measures to prevent recurrence," said TCCI president S N Raghuchandran Nair.He said that "We strongly condemn the reported assault on an Uber taxi driver in Kovalam by local taxi operators for lawfully operating an online taxi service. Such acts of violence, intimidation and unlawful obstruction constitute a serious violation of law, free trade, consumer choice and public order. Incidents of this nature in a prominent tourism and commercial destination are deeply concerning." Six months ago, Kovalam Beach Auto/taxi All Combination Group put up a notification that said, "online vehicles such as Uber/Ola etc are not allowed to take trips from the stand premises," hinting that they prefer being a cartel rather than adapt to the changing times. Now, local taxi drivers have started harassing tourists who try to book app cabs yet again at a time when a large number of domestic tourists visit the destination during summer holidays.