Bengalureans, if the exorbitantly priced autos and cabs in Karnataka, especially in the capital have bothered you, then we have come bearing good news. A small group of cab drivers are working on bringing metered taxis to Namma Bengaluru. In line with the government-regulated fares, these metered taxis will challenge the ubiquitous aggregator model.
Metered Taxis To Make Its Debut In Bengaluru
As per a report by The Indian Express, Brand Pride Mobility operating Nagaraa metered auto rickshaws in Bengaluru will be launching metered taxis in the city. The company is collaborating with a small group of cab drivers who wish to switch to metered taxis.
Due to cab aggregator apps like Ola and Uber charging ‘high commission rates’ many drivers have protested about being unable to make sufficient earnings. In February this year, the Karnataka government capped uniform fares for all taxis and cab aggregators in the state.
As per the notification issued cabs were classified into three categories. This was based on the cost of the vehicles. Cars worth ₹10 lakh or less will attract a fare of ₹100 for 4km. And ₹24 for each additional kilometre. vehicles priced between ₹10-15 lakh will have a fixed fare of ₹115. Each additional km will cost ₹28. Cabs costing 15 lakh or more will attract a fixed fare of 130 for 4 km with each additional km costing ₹32.
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Respite For Drivers & Commuters
At the moment, Meru is the only company that operates cabs on a metered basis for airport commuters. Niranjanaradhya N, CEO, of Brand Pride Mobility revealed to The Indian Express that they are working with like-minded cab drivers to launch metered taxis in Bengaluru with government-fixed fares. He informed that for long cabbies have complained about the high-commission models of cab aggregator apps. A ride costing ₹60o means the driver can only take back home ₹400 to ₹420.
With metered taxi models, drivers can keep the full earnings themselves on a zero-commission model. Niranjanaradhya stated that they are meeting multiple meter sellers to buy meters in bulk for the 200 cab drivers who wish to switch to the meter-based model. A meter costs ₹6000 (plus GST). Currently, they are piloting the metered taxis with sedan and mini categories of cabs.
Bengalureans, are you excited to welcome metered taxis in your city?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro (Picture used for representation)
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