Sri Lanka's transportation sector is in turmoil. Traditional cab drivers are increasingly clashing with drivers from app services such as PickMe. The company is sounding the alarm: the increasing attacks on its drivers are not only a safety problem, but could also damage the country's tourism industry.
PickMe CEO Jiffry Zulfer is calling on the authorities to finally intervene. His biggest concern: the safety of all drivers - regardless of whether they work for an app or a traditional cab. But why is the dispute escalating in the first place? According to Zulfer, many traditional cab drivers feel threatened by the digital platforms.
"In fact, apps like PickMe even bring more tourists to their areas - and that means more business for everyone. However, many cab drivers don't have the means to pick up guests from further afield. Regions to attract new customers. They should therefore see the technology not as competition, but as an opportunity," explains Zulfer.
The situation is serious: in the last twelve weeks, over 30 incidents have been reported in which app drivers have been attacked, threatened or prevented from doing their job. There have even been cases of vandalism and physical violence. What is particularly worrying is that many of the passengers affected were foreign tourists who simply wanted to get from A to B safely and comfortably. PickMe warns that such incidents jeopardize Sri Lanka's image as a hospitable destination.
It's no wonder that more and more travelers are opting for transport services such as PickMe. Not only do they offer transparent prices, they are often cheaper and more convenient than conventional cabs. While prices often have to be negotiated with traditional providers, app services rely on fair, data-based pricing.
Despite the current tensions, Zulfer emphasizes that traditional cabs and modern transport services can coexist. "Our drivers are just as much citizens of this country as anyone else and have the right to move and work freely," he clarifies.
An internal survey by PickMe also shows that many customers in Colombo are dissatisfied with traditional cabs - mainly due to opaque prices and unreliable service. The boom in app-based transport services shows that Sri Lanka's transportation industry is changing. The only question is whether all those involved are prepared to help shape this change - or continue to fight against it.
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