Ride-Sharing Drivers Launch Protest Over Alleged Exploitation and Unregulated Fares

Kathmandu. The 'Pro Rider Group' has initiated a phased protest against ride-sharing companies operating in Nepal, alleging arbitrary fare setting and labor exploitation of riders. On Sunday, riders gathered in Balkhu, Kathmandu, staging a symbolic demonstration against weak government regulation by wearing black bands on their arms.

They complained that they were forced to take to the streets after their concerns were ignored despite prolonged dialogue attempts with relevant bodies and companies. The group has warned that if their demands are not met, they will escalate their actions, including collective sit-ins, signature campaigns, large rallies, and ultimately, a complete shutdown of ride-sharing services as a last resort.

Their main demands center around five key points, insisting on the mandatory implementation of a uniform fare rate of 27 Nepali Rupees per kilometer across all ride-sharing apps operating throughout Nepal. A primary demand is to stop practices that reduce the actual earnings of riders under the guise of various bonuses or 'goal trips.'

Furthermore, the group has demanded that the government immediately ban apps operating without proper registration in Nepal and bring foreign companies clearly under a legal framework. Riders emphasized that the government must take effective steps to stop the large sums of money flowing out daily through foreign apps and should initiate efforts to operate services under government supervision while encouraging Nepali apps.

Warning that their patience should not be mistaken for weakness, the riders announced that this protest will be made nationwide.