Government to launch app for hailing autos, taxis

BENGALURU: Commuters in Bengaluru may soon get relief from high taxi charges. The Transport Department is planning to launch app-based taxi and auto services at affordable rates as an alternative to the Ola and Uber cab services. The new government app will be launched in three months.

There have been a lot of complaints over Ola and Uber’s high fares. On the other hand, auto and cab drivers are also frustrated that they are not being paid proper remuneration. Amidst this, an important meeting was held on Friday by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, and a broad plan was discussed about the government itself launching an app for hailing autorickshaws and taxis.

Major highlights of meeting on launching govt app

Government app will be launched in the Ola, Uber model.

Transport Department will manage the app.

The app will be rolled out in three months.

Auto and taxis will charge fixed rates.

App will operate under ‘No Profit, No Loss’ rule.

Service will be provided without charging passengers any commission.

Since there will be no commission, drivers may be paid more.

Pilot project will be launched in the city. Based on public response, it will be expanded elsewhere.

There are no extra charges.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, “We have plans to offer app-based taxi and cab services at a minimum fixed price. Private operators like Ola and Uber are harassing people with their high charges. The Transport Department will operate the app under ‘No Profit No Loss’ rule. We do not want any profits and we planned to adopt technologies from other companies. It will take at least 3-4 months to execute the plan. There will be no harassment for passengers or drivers. The plan is in the initial stage and the app will be launched based on the demand of autorickshaw and taxi drivers’ unions”.