City folks ditch conventional autorickshaws for cab services
Representational Image
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ‘Cab-on-call’ trend is fast catching up among Trivandrumites with the presence of app-based taxi services like Uber and Ola.
City folks can book a ride from their smartphones, and the service providers use GPS to identify their area and send the nearest driver to pick them up at cheaper rates.
The demand for these cabs is fast picking up as riders ditch autorickshaws and conventional taxi services because of attractive prices.
Aneesh Mohan, a techie, feels taxi-hailing apps are more convenient, comfortable and reasonable compared to traditional services.
“Auto and taxi drivers demand exorbitant rates for even small rides while these cabs provide better service at unbelievable rates,” he said.
“Why should someone take a conventional cab at Rs 500 while Uber or Ola could cover the same distance at half the rate. If we book a ride using the app, the cab comes to us, and we don’t have to bargain or fight with drivers.”
From his experience, a conventional cab costs Rs 450 to Rs 500 for a ride from Thampanoor to Kovalam while Ola or Uber charges only Rs 250.
The apps have shaken the conventional market in cities around the world, and the new trend hasn’t gone down well with the 20,000-strong autos and taxis in the state capital.
CITU state committee member Thampanoor Murugan said the new service had taken away a considerable share of the business, and it’s unfair to have two different laws for the same work.
“The government heavily regulates us, and the rates are fixed at Rs 12 per km and Rs 10 Km for taxis and autos respectively,” he said.
“These cabs charge the autorickshaw rates, and they are being compensated by the company also. It’s impossible for conventional cabs to cut rates like this.”
The CITU is now planning to submit a memorandum seeking government intervention.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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