KATHMANDU: Taxi drivers in the Kathmandu Valley protested on Friday against ride-sharing services such as Pathao, alleging that these services are endangering their jobs. Drivers in the Koteshwar-Jadibuti area stopped traffic as part of a demonstration to voice their complaints.
The protesters demanded the closure of ride-sharing services and called for a ban on vehicles with red number plates from carrying passengers. They argue that these services are undermining their income and professional stability.
Businessman Durga Prasai led the protest, during which taxi drivers blocked the road by placing a taxi on the beach road amidst the weeds. This action caused significant disruption to traffic in the area.
The blockade continued for a while until the police intervened. They removed the taxi from the road and restored normal traffic flow, ending the protest.
The incident brings to light the continuous conflicts in Kathmandu between established cab services and newly popular ride-sharing apps, which is indicative of larger problems with regulation and competition in the transportation industry.
