Guwahati: Ever since the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) launched its cab service last year, onboarded drivers have been expressing dissatisfaction with its "commission" system. They have to pay a percentage of their daily earnings to the government-run transport body, they claimed.

“We need to pay commission [to the ASTC],”, an ASTC cab driver complained to Business North East, adding that the service "is not helping us." Business North East reached out to the chairman of ASTC Mission Ranjan Das, asking him about the drivers' alleged woes. He clarified, “The deduction (from drivers' earnings) is GPF (Gross Provident Fund) fund. ASTC is required to pay a government fixed rate which is deposited per month.”.

He further said that drivers are also eligible to ask for a loan, adding, "This year we have deposited Rs 16 crore and are regularizing it soon." Das said that although the ASTC incurred losses on its cab service in the initial days of the launch, its condition is "stable" now.

The Uber and Ola-like ASTC cab service launched in July 2023, offers a range of exciting features for the passengers designated "to enhance their journey at a low fare, zero trip cancellation by drivers, accurate GPS tracking, user-friendly interface, hotline buttons for airport rides", an ASTC official informed Business North East.

Last year in July, reports said that around 2,000 cab drivers have joined ASTC's service.

When it was launched, it was found that the cab drivers would not get any commission on fares except for the recharge which would be between 5-10%. Other things included low per-trip recharge, free accidental health insurance, a parking facility for ASTC locations, etc.

The taxi app aimed to remove burning issues and ensure better earnings for drivers and better services at the lowest fare for the passengers. ASTC stated in a press release that the concept has been developed in association with Guwahati city's official consultants.

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