AZE.US
Taxi drivers in Azerbaijan are increasingly complaining that platform commissions are taking too large a share of their income, with some saying up to 25% is deducted from each ride before they cover fuel, maintenance and other daily costs.
Drivers interviewed on the issue said standard commissions usually range from 20% to 25%.
While that may appear manageable on paper, many say the real problem starts after additional deductions and the running costs of the vehicle are factored in. By the end of the day, they argue, the person doing the actual driving is left with the smallest share.
Even so, many continue to work through taxi platforms because they see little alternative. Drivers say most passengers now order cars through apps, making traditional street pickups far less practical than before. Some estimate that as many as 90% to 95% of customers now rely on digital platforms rather than hailing a cab directly.
For drivers, app-based work also offers a level of protection. The route, fare and customer interaction are recorded in the system, reducing the risk of disputes or false complaints. In that sense, many say the system is not ideal, but it is still safer and more predictable than working independently.
Transport expert Elmaddin Muradli said commissions in the 20% to 25% range are not unusually high by international standards, arguing that operators have to pay taxes and cover the costs of software, technical support, platform management and other services. In his view, the bigger burden on drivers often comes from taxi fleets rather than the platforms themselves.
According to Muradli, some taxi parks impose their own extra charges and conditions on drivers, including daily ride targets and various side payments. That, he said, is where the pressure on drivers’ incomes can intensify.
Platform companies, for their part, say commissions are dynamic and can change depending on discounts, bonuses and whether drivers participate in promotional rides. They say the deductions are used to fund operations, cloud infrastructure, technical systems and algorithm development.
Still, judging by the complaints shared by drivers, many believe the current model leaves them carrying most of the cost while receiving the smallest return. Once commissions are deducted and fuel and wear-and-tear are paid for, drivers say the job is becoming harder to justify financially.