KOZHIKODE: The resistance of the traditional taximen to Mango Cabs and the consequential increase of tariff by the online taxi group under pressure have triggered protests. The Mango Cabs charges Rs 99 for the first four kilometres and offers free emergency hospital services at night. But they were forced to increase the rate to Rs 150 for the first five km after a series of attacks. With just 20 cabs plying in the city, the protests are going out of proportion, unlike Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram where taxi aggregators Ola and Uber are active with better offers.
Malabar Development Council chairperson C.E. Chakkunny said the protests were unfounded. "I have talked to many Uber operators in Kochi. Their minimum charge is just Rs 50 for first four kilometres," he told DC. “These cab owners earn Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per day as it reduces fuel consumption (through better logistics). It is safer as the firm tracks cab's movements. Though initially there were protests, more and more taxis now join them as it improves financial stability,” he said.
But the existing players say online services are not that much profitable as their ad spend is high. Brijesh Narayan, a taxi services provider, said the projected profit and safety they advertise are just hype. “They offer low-rate services only for the city and for long trips it is many folds higher,” he claimed.
Upgrade or perish
Even today it is a herculean task to catch an autorickshaw from a railway station during night hours,” says P. Ramakrishnan, an LIC employee. “Moreover, now there are also safety concerns. The newcomers among city drivers are not that much good in behaviour when we compare them with the old who are honest and care for passengers. Instead of opposing such novel concepts, the existing players should update in tune with the changing trends of times."
“They should be ready to change themselves and make the customer more comfortable. I am sure people will come out in support of the new generation cabs as society feels that it is time for a change in behaviour as well as the quality of service,” he added.
Can’t deny customers
The industry cannot deny customer his right to choose, KG Radha krishnan, IT professional, Calicut Forum for IT (CafIT). Ultimately the customers would win. The entire industry should cater to the need of the customers. Mango Cabs are just entry-level players. More such established groups like Uber or Ola might come to Kozhikode. The entire travel system would change accordingly. No one can resist the change and deny the customer his right to choose.
