By CGTN's Michelle Begue
It’s the world’s most popular car service, and used in more than 100 countries. Although Uber is illegal in Colombia, the company is still operating - and thriving.
But there is opposition, taxi drivers are rallying against the ride-sharing giant.
Thousands of taxi drivers rally against Uber. /CFP Photo
Men and women in Colombia are protesting what they call unfair competition from the San Francisco-based transportation app. In Bogota alone, thousands of yellow taxis are leading the protest.
“We are legal and we are fighting and asking the government to do something about these law breakers. We have families who are starving,” taxi driver Libardo Bustos said.
Taxi drivers argue Uber is operating at an unfair advantage - since its drivers don’t have to pay the high fees and taxes the government charges yellow cabs.
The drivers claim work has been reduced by 60 to 70 percent because of the app’s competition.
“We are more than 80,000 families that have children, that pay all the services, taxes, everything! And Uber doesn’t have to pay anything,” said taxi driver Manuel Paes.
Thousands of taxi drivers, shouting slogans against Uber brought traffic to a near standstill in Bogota, the capital of Colombia. /CFP Photo
Since the arrival of Uber to the country three years ago, the government has struggled with efforts to regulate its operations.
After Uber refused to register as a formal company in Colombia, the ride service was deemed illegal - but the government has stopped short of blocking or banning the app.
Uber said it’s not an employer but rather a “partner” of its drivers and is therefore exempt from transportation fees and regulations.
While the Uber app has caused controversy and protests among traditional cab drivers, it hasn't seemed to affect public demand for Uber, which remains strong.
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