Cab drivers protest outside Uber centre in Bengaluru accusing the company of unfair practices

A group of app-based cab drivers staged a protest on Monday outside Uber’s driver support centre in Bommanahalli, Bengaluru, accusing the company of unfair practices.

The protest, organised by members of the Bharath Transportation Group, alleged that Uber is favouring fleet-attached vehicles over independent drivers. The group also alleged that the company has been inducting drivers from outside Karnataka, which they say was affecting the livelihood of local drivers.

N. Mohan, general secretary of the group, said the agitation was held to highlight what he described as improper hiring practices.

“A large number of fleet vehicles being added to the platform are operated by drivers from other States. Many do not have proper police verification or valid licences, and they are not complying with the regulations of the State,” he said.

Mr. Mohan added that, under the State rules, individuals must have lived in Karnataka for a minimum of two years to be eligible for such jobs, a requirement, he alleged, Uber was disregarding.

The group also demanded that Uber implement the government-mandated ‘One City, One Fare’ structure. The protest ended after company representatives called the police, who later detained several protesting drivers.

A Uber spokesperson said, “We strongly condemn the use of violence and intimidation by a few individuals who had gathered outside Uber’s driver centre in Bengaluru. We also categorically deny any allegation of differential treatment between fleet drivers and independent drivers – our policies are designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all, regardless of their operational model. Uber operates a zero-commission model where drivers retain 100% of fares after a nominal subscription fee.”

Eight protesters were arrested by the Electronics City Police for staging an unlawful protest, obstructing police personnel on duty and violating the High Court guidelines on public demonstrations.

The arrested include six Uber drivers and two activists from a Hindu outfit. The police alleged that the protesters obstructed the work of two women police officials, manhandled them and ransacked an office during the protest.