Bengaluru: Ever since the monsoon hit the city and turned roads into pothole-filled nightmare, app-based cabs have become the go-to option to move about for many commuters.
The catch, however, is that surge charges still exist. “If the traffic is high or it begins to pour, the cab apps say 'higher prices due to increased demand'. We don't even know if this is true,” complained Sravanti, who frequently takes cabs.
The state government, to stop exploitation of commuters and drivers, implemented a policy – “On-Demand Transportation Technology Aggregators Rules” – in 2016.
However the policy is yet to be implemented because of a stay order brought in by an Uber petition, challenging the policy. “It has been 10 months since the stay has been in force. There are around 45,000 cabs plying 24/7. They are the preferred mode of transport from and to the airport, during rains and midnight travel. The policy mandates call centre monitoring, fixed meter rates and safety features like panic button," said Mr Radakrishna Holla, president, Bengaluru Tourist Taxi Operators’ Association.
Several stakeholders in the transport industry say that apart from consumer and labour rights violation, unregulated cab services is a loss to the exchequer in terms of non-meter, GPS-based rates.
Mr B. Dayananda, Commissioner, Transport and Road Safety, said, “Due to the high court stay, we are unable to take coercive action against cab aggregators.
The state advocates are fighting the case. We have to wait for the dates for court proceedings, which is taking time.”
