Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Mar 30: A protest was staged by Mangaluru City Auto Drivers and Owners Association against major taxi aggregators like Ola, Jugnoo and Uber in front of the deputy commissioner's office here on Thursday, March 30.

The protestors raised slogans and alleged that their business was badly hit due to the services of taxi aggregators.

Addressing the protesters, honorary president of association Ashwath Shetty said, "The online cab services by taxi aggregators is a big threat to local auto and taxi drivers and owners' daily bread. These multinational companies provide service on low fare. We do not know how they manage the expenses."

He also said, "We came to know through an RTI query, that these taxi aggregators have not acquired the necessary permission from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to run their business in the city limits. If they are running their business without the necessary permission, it is against the law."

Earlier, the protestors carried out a rally from Balmatta Road and gathered in front of the DC's office. They met deputy commissioner Dr K G Jagadeesha and submitted a memorandum seeking justice.

Association leaders Ali Hussain, Shekar Deralakatte, Lingappa Nantoor, Jerald S Cunha, Alphonse, Aboobakkar and Yadav Poojary were present.