Kochi: App-based taxi operators Uber and Ola have started operations out of five railway stations across the state and have signed an agreement with the railways under which they would be provided space inside stations to set up help desks. “We have signed an agreement with Uber for setting up counters at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam North, Aluva and Thrissur. Another online taxi aggregator Ola will operate out of Ernakulam South railway station,” said a senior railway officer. A fixed area will be earmarked for setting up a kiosk or help desk and also for facilitating parking of a few cabs upon availability of a vacant area.
The Commercial Department has inked the pact for three months and charges the online taxi companies Rs10 lakh to operate out of major stations. If it proved to be a success, the agreement will be extended on a long term basis, the officer added. Online services have already started functioning in Ernakulam Town, Aluva and Thiruvanthapuram railway stations. “The ‘UBER UNDALLO’ counter will function from 6 am to 9 pm and commuters can hire services just by visiting the counter. They can choose ordinary AC service or go for the ‘Share Taxi’ scheme. After 9 pm, they can continue to make bookings through the mobile app,” said a Uber official.
Meanwhile, traditional taxi operators have protested against the move saying their earnings would be further dented. “We’re paying the railways nearly Rs 6000 including GST per annum to operate from the stations. Now our vehicles are lying idle and most of us cannot even meet the monthly premium. For instance, I have to pay '22,000 monthly after I took a loan to buy a car to operate hire services,” said A.B. Valson, Stand Convenor, Taxi Operators Union, Ernakulam North.
