Even as the autorickshaw drivers protested against the setting up a kiosk of a private taxi operator at the Railway Station in Mysuru, former Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy (HDK) is all set to launch himself as an aggregator through ‘HDK Cabs’  to bring together the disgruntled drivers of Ola and Uber.

The former CM said that he suggested the disgruntled drivers to start their own services as the companies and State Government have failed to solve their problems. “The new app-based services is expected to commence before Ugadi and will be run by drivers themselves,” he added.

Kumaraswamy said that the new service is expected to help the drivers earn more. However, the final decision on the software and administrative team is expected to be taken soon.

The drivers, who have taken loans to purchase cars, have not been able to repay their loans as their income have dropped considerably. There are more than one lakh drivers who have been suffering over the past one year, he said and also promised houses for drivers if JD(S) came to power in the State. Kumaraswamy also mentioned that the new venture was service-oriented and added that 6 percent of the total earnings would be diverted to welfare fund which will be used for the drivers who are in need of help. Around 13 Drivers’ Union have come together to form a team to recruit drivers for the yet to be launched service.

One  of the representatives of the Unions, said that they expected around 35,000 drivers to come on boards and added that at least 10,000 are sure to support the new service.