Karnataka: Minimum fare for Ola, Uber soon

Bengaluru: The state government will fix the minimum fare for app-based taxi services in the city after going through a report by the expert committee, said Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.

Replying to Mr Srinivasa Mane in the Legislative Council on Friday, he said the committee headed by a senior officer had been asked to submit the report after studying aspects like cost of vehicle, fuel expenses, allowance, consumer index and insurance. The panel has already submitted its report.

Mr Reddy said while the minimum fare for the first 4 km and subsequent distance had been fixed, no minimum fare per km has yet been fixed. For taxis that ply outside the city, the government has fixed Rs 40 for first five km and Rs 8 per km subsequently for AC vehicles. For non-AC vehicles, it is Rs 35 for first five km and Rs 7 per km thereafter. Since they operate outside city limits, they don't require GPS, panic buttons and other technology.

Mr Reddy said Ola, U2 Cabs and Uber, are offering app-based taxi services in the city. The government has fixed Rs 80 for first 4 km and Rs 19.50 per km subsequently for AC vehicles and Rs 70 for first four km and Rs 14.50 per km thereafter for non-AC vehicles.