94% daily commuters feel harassed by taxi & auto drivers: Survey

Over 76,000 daily commuters were questioned in a first of its kind online survey pertaining to app-based cab operators, which pegged them against the conventional taxis and autos to ascertain the prevailing consumer sentiment.

While most of the findings don’t come as a complete surprise, some are startling to say the least.

A non-government organisation, Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP), conducted the ‘Online perception survey about app-based taxis’ between August 27 to 31, during which 76,196 commuters were surveyed.

Out those surveyed, 62,691 (roughly 83 percent) were from Mumbai, followed by 6,547 from Thane, 3,195 from Navi Mumbai and 443 from Mira-Bhayander.

The consumer group now plans to send the findings to the state and union ministry of transport to ensure law makers are aware of what consumers expect from their means of transport and how these new services are perceived.

According to an MGP member, the results will help the government take a well informed decision when it comes to drafting rules pertaining to their operations or regularization.

Key Findings (Total Respondents – 76,196):

# 94% respondents feel that they are ‘harassed’ by taxi and auto drivers.

# 80% respondents said that providers like Ola and Uber offer better services than taxis and autos.

# 65% respondents feel that the surge pricing policy of app-based aggregators was ‘too expensive’.

# 76% respondents rated app-based aggregators as ‘good’ when it came to plying them to their desired location.

# 19% respondents were unsatisfied with the feedback system provided by Ola and Uber.

# 11% respondents use Ola or Uber everyday, 40% use them several times a week and 15% use them once a week.

# 47% respondents said app-based cabs are cheaper than taxis and autos. 22% said they are cheaper than taxis, but not autos.