Kumaraswamy offers 'HDK Cabs' to disgruntled Ola, Uber drivers

Former chief minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy has agreed to make an initial investment to form an app-based cab aggregator platform, to be called ‘HDK Cabs,’ for drivers disgruntled with Ola and Uber.

He said a huge drop in earnings has made drivers helpless, with many finding it difficult to repay the loans. “The companies and the government have failed the drivers. In the interest of the drivers, I have decided to extend all cooperation to introduce a new app-based platform by Ugadi which will be run by the drivers themselves,” he said.

He said the platform, an alternative to Ola and Uber, will help drivers earn more. A final decision on the software and administrative team will be taken by Monday. “These drivers come from a rural background. They have bought vehicles on loans believing that Ola and Uber will help them come up in life. However, one lakh such drivers have suffered a lot in the past one year,” Kumaraswamy said.

He went a step further, promising to provide housing for drivers if he comes to power. “I will consider group housing projects for drivers. If JD(S) comes to power, I will work to find comprehensive solutions for your problems,” he said.

Fleet size
As many as 13 drivers’ unions have come together to form a core committee that will enlist drivers for the new platform, said Tanveer Pasha, leader of a drivers’ union. “We estimate support from 35,000 drivers which can go down to 10,000 in the worst-case scenario. But it will definitely stay above 10,000,” he claimed.

Pasha said the new company will not be profit-oriented, but will focus on service. “Kumaraswamy told us to form a welfare fund by pooling 6% of our earnings every month. This fund will be utilised to help drivers who are in need,” he said. When asked whether the political overtones associated with the name ‘HDK Cabs’ will affect the business, Pasha said more than the name, they will focus on the service.