• Responds to recent incident in Galle of a 3-wheeler driver carrying tourists being verbally threatened by fellow 3-wheeler drivers 

Transport and delivery services app, PickMe, whilst claiming that a small segment of transport service providers engage in operating in a mafia-style by making threats and intimidating drivers of their network, called on the authorities including the Police to urgently and properly intervene to protect and safeguard the rights of both passengers and drivers as such widely publicised incidents would only serve to tarnish the struggling tourism industry and damage the country’s reputation.    

Issuing a media statement with regard to the recent verbal attack on a PickMe driver by 3-wheeler drivers in Galle which went viral on social media, the Company noted: “The Police investigation that followed is encouraging and a step in the right direction. These disruptive acts of threats and intimidation by one section of drivers can, apart from tarnishing the tourism industry, seriously damage the reputation of a well run second tier to the public transport system. App-based taxi hailing services have created a platform for fair pricing and stable market conditions. 

This was clearly visible in the said incident where even the visitors to the country no longer wished to haggle with three-wheeler drivers on the road. It is the overseas visitors’ preference to go with the app-based taxi hailing option that caused grief to the PickMe driver. What is even more disturbing is that tourists are recording and sharing these incidents on social media. What damage it will do to our tourism industry is anybody’s guess. While this incident is unfortunate, it showcases an ugly side to those operating this form of transport service. In the past, we have had many reports from the PickMe network of such bullying, especially in Kandy, Ella, Galle, Unawatuna, and the Hotel Road area in Negombo. 

Unfortunately, drivers in the PickMe network are reluctant to make a complaint to the Police as they fear repercussions on the road by this mafia. Now that the situation is being made public by overseas visitors, it is more serious and therefore, we hope that the Police will take necessary action to ensure the safety of our driver partners and to bring about a permanent solution to this matter.”