The likes of Ola and Uber are set to face stiff competitors in Karnataka because the state’s Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy introduced on Wednesday that they may develop their very own ride-hailing app. It will function an alternative choice to personal cab-hailing firms which have turn into standard in the previous few years. The choice got here following a gathering with unions of autorickshaws, cab, and bus drivers on July 31 the place their grievances concerning the excessive commissions charged by these personal aggregators got here to gentle.
Saying his choice, Reddy mentioned, “A choice has been made to develop an software just like Ola and Uber because the autorickshaw drivers and cab drivers are going through quite a lot of points as a consequence of excessive commissions.”
Ola, Uber points
On the grievance assembly, the autorickshaw and cab drivers expressed their concern about exploitation and excessive commissions charged by the likes of Ola and Uber. Reddy highlighted an incident the place the driving force obtained a compensation of simply Rs. 450 on a invoice of Rs. 800, with the remainder of the quantity going on to the respective firm. Acknowledging these points, Reddy mentioned he would take them to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Reddy additionally mentioned that his division will maintain discussions with the Bangalore Metro Rail Company Restricted (BMRCL) to determine autorickshaw stands at metro stations in varied places which might make travelling back and forth simpler for commuters.
The transport unions have made calls for such because the extension of the Shakti scheme to personal buses, reimbursement of tickets issued to ladies in addition to a ban on unlawful bike taxis in Bengaluru. Furthermore, the unions additionally demand a 5 p.c cap on the commissions charged by personal aggregators.
Karnataka is not the primary state which has tried to finish the monopoly of personal cab firms by launching its personal app. The Kerala Savari app was launched by the Kerela authorities in 2022 as a viable various to Ola, Uber, and different personal firms. Furthermore, the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union in Bengaluru launched its personal app referred to as Namma Yatri which has gained reputation since its rollout.
