The problem of overcrowded roads and rails has long plagued India’s urban transportation system. However, the country has lately witnessed a fundamental shift in the way people travel with the introduction of mobile app-based taxi services. Digital platforms such as Ola and Uber offer a useful and flexible replacement for traditional transportation options. They are becoming an essential component of the daily schedules of many travelers. Even though these services make life simpler, they are not without their shortcomings.
Sadly, there have been instances where consumers’ rides using these ride-hailing applications have been uncomfortable. The reason behind a lot of these instances is that clients become frustrated and disappointed when they can’t find what they were promised in the advertisements, which is what these firms offer to provide.
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Beyond these contradictions, a further concerning risk has surfaced: an increase in criminal behavior associated with app-based taxi services, particularly related to rash driving. Law enforcement officials have received an influx of reports about distressing situations that occurred during routine taxi rides.
In a similar kind of stance, the dentist from Delhi said that her taxi driver made a reckless U-turn without using an indication, causing her to have an accident. Due to the occurrence, Dr. Ruchika said in a series of posts on X that she was “boycotting” Uber. Her message went viral online and received a wide range of reactions. Remarkably, Uber also addressed Dr. Ruchika’s “Boycott Uber campaign” and provided clarification about their perspective on her mishap.
Delhi doctor shares why she is boycotting Uber
Detailing her horrific experience in a series of posts, Dr. Ruchika raised worries about drivers missing sufficient licensing and expertise, as well as disregarding safety procedures. In her posts, she wrote,
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“I am boycotting @Uber_India. It has become unsafe to travel with them now as drivers without Driving License or experience are on the roads, without taking any safety measures & care for the passengers. I met with an ACCIDENT yesterday.”
I am boycotting @Uber_India
It has become unsafe to travel with them now as drivers without Driving License or experience are on the roads, without taking any safety measures & care for the passengers.
I met with an ACCIDENT yesterday.
— Dr. Ruchika (@theindiangirl__) April 28, 2024
Dr. Ruchika further stated how the accident actually happened because of the driver’s reckless rash driving. She claimed that she was hospitalized for five days and had several injuries as a result of the accident. Her muscle is also torn and she is currently receiving tetanus injections.
I am deeply hurt.
I am on full bed rest for 5 days, with heavy medications. Tetanus injection. Torn muscle.
Who is to be blamed here?
— Dr. Ruchika (@theindiangirl__) April 28, 2024
Dr. Ruchika went on to say that she is currently in trauma and is bearing financial, physical, and emotional loss. She also shared a photo of the injuries she sustained during the accident.
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I am bearing all the losses, be it financially, physically or emotionally.
All the major bills that I’ve to pay.
All the trauma I’ve to go through.
All the loss, from not being able to go to office to miss my classes for my higher studies.How will I over come that? pic.twitter.com/o6Je08nD1x
— Dr. Ruchika (@theindiangirl__) April 28, 2024
The post went viral after it was published on April 28. Many conveyed their grave worries in the post’s comments section. While many people told her to get well soon, others voiced concerns about the increasing trend of rash driving among cab drivers.
Uber reacted to Dr. Ruchika’s harrowing experience and boycott campaign
Upon seeing the matter becoming big, Uber responded to Dr. Ruchika’s post, calling the incident “frightening” and expressing concerns about Ruchika and the driver’s safety. In their response, Uber wrote,
“This sounds rather frightening and we hope you and the driver are safe, Ruchika. Please share the registered contact details from which this trip was booked via DM. Our safety team will be in touch with you shortly.”
Replying to this, Dr. Ruchika replied,
“It’s quite disappointing to see drivers without DL. It is humble & gentle request to verify drivers before they move to the ground.”
It’s quite disappointing to see drivers without DL.
It is humble & gentle request to verify drivers before they move to the ground. 🙏🙌— Dr. Ruchika (@theindiangirl__) April 28, 2024
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In response to this, Uber stated that they had forwarded the problem to their staff.
“Okay.”
— Dr. Ruchika (@theindiangirl__) April 28, 2024
After the post gained lot of attention on X, an Uber representative issued an official comment in which they said,
“We wish to reiterate that every driver on Uber has to have a valid driving licence to operate on our platform. We have reached out to the rider and will take appropriate action as per her feedback on the trip. Every Uber trip is covered by third-party accident insurance at no extra cost. W will be in touch with the rider to close the insurance process and wish her a speedy recovery.”
What do you think about this incident? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section of this article.
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