Uber has started an online petition that has been signed by more than 72,000 people.
Taxi aggregator Uber has taken on the Maharashtra Government over the proposed City Taxi Scheme 2015, asking Mumbaikars to lodge their protest against the draft rule.
Uber's online campaign, which has been signed by more than 72,000 people, is being reviewed by the transport department. Sources say the Maharashtra government is firm on its stand.
The proposal that has had taxi aggregators cry foul is that they should maintain a fleet of 1000 to 4000 taxis.
Companies like Uber and Ola say the move will bring down the number of cars plying considerably. Together, the two companies have around 20,000 vehicles registered with them in Mumbai.
Calling the move "regressive", General Manager for Uber in Mumbai, Shailesh Sawalani said if one looks at progressive versus regressive regulation, "progressive will always let the market decide the right approach".
"But here, the government seeks to artificially cap the number of vehicles, which is going to result in extremely poor service and experience for customers," he said.
Commuters are already bracing themselves to face problems like availability and reliability again. "These services are safer as you can share details of the taxi with your family and they cannot refuse to take you to your destination," said Sarika, who avails services by Uber at least four times a week.
Drivers affiliated with Ola and Uber, meanwhile, are dreading losing their jobs.
"We need more clarity on the scheme, I am scared that I might just lose my job and source of livelihood once this is imposed," said Prakash Bhise, who drives an Uber taxi.
Apart from a cap on the number of vehicles being registered, the scheme also mandates the regulation of fares and makes features like LED panels signalling the availability of the taxi and printed receipts compulsory.