Is flexibility and autonomy a myth or reality on taxi platforms? Comparison between traditional and app-based taxi drivers in developing countries

This chapter analyses the proliferation of taxi platforms in developing countries and how they are disrupting the traditional taxi services and changing the way work is organised. In this context, the chapter compares the situation of taxi drivers in both app-based and traditional segment across eight countries (Chile, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico and Morocco), to understand the notions of flexibility and autonomy and the working conditions of the taxi drivers. The analysis shows that workers on these platforms often do not have the flexibility, autonomy and control over their work and they are further precariatised by the algorithmic management practices on these platforms.