To counter the popular aggregator model of car and taxi services, a group of Bengaluru taxi drivers are attempting to introduce metered taxis.
To introduce metered taxis in Bengaluru, brand Pride Mobility, which currently runs Nagara metered auto rickshaws in the city, is working with taxi drivers.
Bengaluru to start metered taxis: check fares
The move is targeted at drivers who are unhappy with the exorbitant commission charges of cab aggregator apps like Ola and Uber.
The Karnataka government imposed continuous fare restrictions on all taxis and cab aggregators in February. These services are now classified according to the cost of the vehicle. Taxis priced at or below ₹10 lakh cost ₹100 for the first 4 km and ₹24 for each additional mile. For cars priced between ₹10 to ₹15 lakh, the first 4 km will cost ₹115, and each additional km will cost ₹28. For taxis costing more than ₹15 lakh, the first 4 km will cost ₹130, and each additional km will cost ₹32.
At present, Meru is the only company providing metered taxis to passengers at airports.
According to Niranjanradhya N, CEO of Brand Pride Mobility, metered taxis with tariffs set by the government are being implemented in collaboration with like-minded drivers.
Are drivers unhappy with the commission scheme?
Drivers are unhappy with the commission scheme as they get only ₹400 to ₹420 for a ₹600 ride.
Drivers will be able to keep all their earnings under the metered taxi model, with no commission deducted.
For 200 taxi drivers who want to convert to metered models, the brand Pride Mobility is purchasing meters in bulk.
Metered Taxi Pilot is currently being tested with car and minicab models, and each meter is priced at ₹6000 (plus GST).
It is anticipated that Bengaluru’s metered taxis will provide a new option for both drivers and passengers, potentially increasing drivers’ income and reducing passenger fares.
