KOZHIKODE: Apparently, learning lessons from its predecessor, Mango Cabs, the Ola Cabs made their entry very silent in the city, with even the officials reserving their comments. The Mango Cabs had to increase their rates, after they were attacked by the taxi unions who feared the former’s entry with lower rates. However, the new service, Ola Cabs, have already sought support of the local drivers, who can be hired for the service.
Ola Cabs offer a minimum charge of Rs 30/6km (micro), Rs 35/ 9km (mini) and Rs 40/12km (sedan). For every additional kilometres, they charge Rs 9 more. It all needs an activation of the app on the smartphone and the passenger need to inform the pick and drop points. Drivers in the city said that they were approached by the officials of Ola Cabs offering Rs 6,500 per three days/ 70 hours.
However, the taxi unions are silent on the new taxi services as they prefer to wait and watch. “Already, when the Mango Cabs were introduced, our trips were slashed to just two in a week. This will again go down with the introduction of Ola Cabs. The drivers are called for sessions to be held near Nallalam on Saturday,” said K.M. Sreedharan, Tourist Taxi stadium section (CITU) secretary. He added that the entry of Ola Cabs ‘that targets shorter distances would be affecting the autorickshaws than the cars’.
“Till now, only the car drivers/owners unions were in the protest. Now, the autorickshaw drivers will also start protest,” Mr Sreedharan added. Common people like homemaker Poonam Rajesh at Kunduparamba, welcomed the new taxi services as they feel that the presence of more services would make the services better as the passengers have better options to choose from. “Reliable and known services offer more security to women passengers, who otherwise have to depend on the traditional taxis and autorickshaws,” she added.
