Ride-hailing companies have reacted to cab drivers’ planned slow-moving carcade protest, set to take place on Wednesday.
Y-plate drivers belonging to the Light Passenger Operators Association (LPOA) will be gathering in Ta’ Qali at 8am before starting a carcade towards Marsa, in a bid to protest against pricing models imposed by the digital platforms that source their clients.
The LPOA represents drivers licensed to drive light passenger transport vehicles, better known as Y-plate vehicles, booked over the phone or via ride-hailing applications.
The planned industrial action follows previous instances of discontent within the industry, as cab drivers have raised concerns about a number of issues over the past 12 months.
Last August, the LPOA failed to lobby Malta’s big three ride-hailing platforms for pricing increases, primarily failing to come to fruition due to Uber and Bolt stating that they are unwilling to consider paying drivers more.
In October, Y-plate drivers organised a meeting to voice their frustration after Transport Malta changed its rules, leading to drivers having to park their vehicles in commercial garages. This meeting was not endorsed by the LPOA and had to be concluded prematurely as the group did not produce a police permit.
When contacted by WhosWho.mt regarding Wednesday’s protest, Malta’s three ride-hailing companies, Uber, Bolt, and eCabs, did not respond to questions asking whether talks are ongoing with the LPOA over the upcoming protest. They also failed to confirm what percentage of their drivers are represented by the association.
Persons involved in the industry maintain that the pricing strategies follow the market standards, with different driver incentives, paid waiting times, cancellation fees, and multipliers also being offered. They added that market is still “far from being mature” and that driver earnings are set to be boosted in the coming months through “deeper rider penetration and ride-hailing usage.”
A spokesperson for eCabs remarked that over recent months, the company has actively engaged with drivers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to “ensure the overall sustainability of the ride-hailing industry.”
“eCabs is committed to ensuring a safe and reliable ride-hailing industry for all stakeholders, drivers and riders alike,” they added.
The eCabs spokesperson also said that the company has “consistently supported drivers” in their calls for a “more sustainable industry.” They also affirmed that eCabs is only one of the three major ride-hailing operators in Malta, and is therefore not in a position to change prices charged by other operators in the market.
An Uber spokesperson stated: “We want to provide safe, rewarding, and flexible earning opportunities to all drivers working with the Uber app and we want to raise their standard of work.”
On the other hand, a Bolt spokesperson said that the company is “dedicated to upholding the principles of fairness and respect for drivers.”
“We fully support their right to protest, provided that such protests remain peaceful and do not pose harm to anyone. Therefore, we will not intervene in peaceful protests organised by drivers, as we recognise and respect their freedom of expression and assembly,” the Bolt spokesperson continued.
