The Autorickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU) in Bengaluru is going to launch its own smartphone app, “Namma Yatri” on November 1 after the Karnataka government’s order to cab aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido to stop auto services.
ARDU, with the help of Beckn Foundation, backed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani will introduce the app built on the open mobility network, Times of India reported.
In Bengaluru, the minimum auto rate is Rs 30 for the first 2 km and Rs 15 for each extra kilometre, presently. Several passengers complained that the app-based cab aggregators charged a minimum of Rs 100 for auto rides.
Meanwhile, the Namma Yatri app claims to charge a flat Rs 40 fare for a radius of 2-km between metro stations and residence/office and will also collect an additional fees of Rs 10 as pick up charge.
Following many complaints and protests from passengers regarding the app-based cab aggregators’ exorbitant charges on October 6, Transport Commissioner THM Kumar ordered Ola, Uber, and Rapido to stop providing auto services in Karnataka within the next three days.
On October 6, the Karnataka Transport Department alluded to complaints about the app-based cab aggregators charging a minimum of Rs 100 for auto rides and called it an “illegal practice” in a notice to Uber, ANI Technologies, which operates Ola and Rapido. The aggregators were also instructed to produce a compliance report. However, Ola, Uber and Rapido have continued to offer auto services at exorbitant rates despite notice being served.
The cab aggregators had been given until Tuesday, to halt providing auto services, L Hemanth Kumar, Additional Commissioner for Transport and Secretary, State Transport Authority, told TOI. He added that further action will be taken after consultation with the government’s legal advisors. Meanwhile, the case brought by the aggregators is still pending in the Karnataka High Court.
In response to public complaints of overcharging, the transport authorities have filed about 292 cases against the transporting apps last month.
