Bengaluru’s simmering tensions between app-based cab drivers and ride-hailing platforms have boiled over again, with hundreds of Uber driver-partners staging a protest outside the company’s driver centre in Bommanahalli. Independent drivers allege that Uber’s algorithm is heavily biased in favour of fleet-operated vehicles—especially those run by Everest Fleet, a large fleet operator in which Uber India has invested millions of dollars.
What Triggered the Latest Protest?
- Alleged Fleet Favouritism:
Independent drivers claim their own vehicles sit idle while fleet cars from Everest Fleet receive back-to-back rides. Many say that their average daily trips and earnings have fallen sharply since Uber ramped up its partnership and equity investments in Everest Fleet. - Everest Fleet Link:
Uber has led multiple funding rounds into Everest Fleet, including a $20 million cheque in 2023 to expand its EV fleet and another $20–30 million Series C investment in 2025, taking its stake to about 15–16%. Protesters argue this financial relationship gives Everest Fleet an “unfair algorithmic edge” in ride allocation. - Hiring from Outside Karnataka:
Drivers allege Uber brings in drivers from other states and even neighbouring countries without adequate police verification or compliance with the state’s “two-year residence” rule. Uber has denied these allegations, insisting it follows all legal and safety norms.
The demonstration—organised under the Bharath Transportation Group—escalated when some drivers tried to forcibly enter the Uber office. Police resorted to lathi charges and arrested eight people for vandalism and unlawful assembly.
A Pattern of Unrest: Earlier Actions by Cab Drivers
This is the latest in a series of protests by Ola and Uber drivers across Indian cities since at least 2017, typically over:
- Falling Incentives and High Commissions: As platforms cut bonuses and revised fare structures, many drivers found EMIs and fuel costs unsustainable, triggering repeated strikes in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.
- Opaque Algorithms: Drivers complain they do not understand how rides are assigned, and believe platforms use differential algorithms favouring large fleet partners over individual owner-drivers.
- Lack of Social Security: Gig drivers remain classified as “independent contractors,” with limited access to health cover, accident insurance, or retirement benefits, despite working full-time hours.
Karnataka’s transport authorities have previously issued advisories on “One City, One Fare,” mandatory police verification, and labour compliance, but drivers say enforcement is weak and platform behaviour has not meaningfully changed.
Everest Fleet’s Rise—and Why It Matters
Everest Fleet, founded in 2016, has grown into India’s largest fleet partner for multiple ride-hailing platforms, operating more than 18,000 CNG and EV cars across major cities. The company has raised a series of debt and equity rounds from Uber, Paragon Partners, and other investors, with recent deals targeting fleet expansion and faster electrification.
Uber argues that larger, professionally managed fleets help:
- Improve service reliability and ride availability.
- Accelerate EV adoption, aligned with its goal of 1 million EVs in India and South Asia.
- Optimise utilisation and safety standards through centralised maintenance and driver training.
However, independent drivers say this model “corporatises” what was sold to them as a micro-entrepreneurship opportunity and pushes them to the margins of the platform economy.
What’s Next?
Police have called for dialogue between Uber management and driver representatives to address concerns over ride allocation, earnings, and compliance through negotiation rather than confrontation. Worker collectives are also demanding:
- Transparent ride-allocation rules.
- Caps on fleet dominance to protect independent driver livelihoods.
- Enforceable minimum earnings and social security benefits for gig workers.
The latest Bengaluru agitation is a reminder that India’s platform economy sits on a fragile social contract—one that will require regulatory clarity, corporate accountability, and inclusive growth models if it is to remain sustainable for both investors and workers.
