A Driver-Partner’s Reflection: A Time to Rethink

In today’s digital era, technology offers undeniable convenience, including in the realm of earning a livelihood through online transportation platforms. Yet beneath this convenience lies a complex set of dynamics that warrant our collective reflection—especially for those of us who work as driver-partners.

In the past, diligence and relentless effort—circling the city in search of passengers—were directly proportional to the income one could earn.

However, circumstances have significantly changed. Orders are no longer distributed based on how hard one works on the road, but rather are allocated through a system that pre-determines who receives what. While the number of drivers continues to rise, the volume of available orders has not increased accordingly. As a result, both workload and income are effectively limited by an algorithmic ceiling.

Moreover, fare rates have consistently declined over time. Instead of adjusting upward to reflect inflation and the rising cost of living, they have trended downward. Meanwhile, operational expenses—fuel, vehicle maintenance, and daily necessities—remain uncompromising. We are not asking for luxury or privilege; we simply seek a fair and sustainable system.

This is not a message of pessimism—on the contrary, it is a call for introspection. I believe this is the right moment to reevaluate our direction. Is this path still leading us toward a better future, or is it anchoring us in place?

Personally, working in this sector was once a source of pride and a respectable livelihood. But when the system ceases to be equitable, perhaps it is time to explore new opportunities. Leaving one's comfort zone is not a sign of defeat—it is a courageous step toward growth.

To my fellow driver-partners, let us continue to learn, to expand our skill sets, and to prepare for new possibilities. The world beyond this platform may offer us broader horizons and greater potential.

This reflection is not written in complaint, but as an invitation to think critically: will we continue to endure a system that no longer provides hope, or will we begin to forge a new path toward a more promising future?