Bengaluru: The Karnataka Transport Department in a major step has asked cab aggregator platforms like Uber, Ola and Rapido to discontinue and seize their auto services in the city within three days.
The department termed their vehicles as “illegal”. The department has further asked the car aggregator companies to present a report. According to reports, the step was taken after several commuters lodged complaints against the platform for charging surge prices from customers.
The report further highlighted that platforms like Ola and Uber charge at least Rs 100 even for trips under two kilometers while the city’s minimum auto charge is set at ₹30 for the first 2 km and ₹15 for each additional kilometer.
The state transport department has further cited that the platforms were granted license to operate taxis only.
The companies however have dismissed the charges of inflated prices leveled against them. According to an Economic Times report, a representative from Rapido said that “in no way intends to fight against the law. We will be responding to the government in the next three days and work in accordance with what the transport authorities say to us,”.
Rapido spokesperson further claimed that the platform is not charging any extra money from customers. This includes convenience charges that could go up to Rs 45, and 5 per cent GST “which is taking the final charge to the customer close to Rs 100 as a base fare for rides up to four kilometres,”
Netizens are left divided on the steps taken by the department. Here are some of the reactions:
Autos plying for Ola, Uber and Rapido that charge 200 rupees for 5 kilometres, to be rendered illegal in Bangalore, by the Karnataka
transport department
.
.
.
so that the same autos can charge
500 rupees for 3 kilometres.#OLA #Uber #Rapido— Oninthough G (@OninthoughG) October 7, 2022
Yes, the aggregators charge more but atleast am able to travel. Now autos are banned with aggregators, drivers can demand any amount sometimes 150 rs for 2 kms#Karnataka #Auto #ola #uber #Rapido
— Nithin Krishna (@N_4_NITHIN) October 8, 2022
Even surge prices were less than half of regular autos and no fear of hooliganism. No other govt tries so hard to make citizens' life so difficult.#Ola #Uber #Rapido #Bangalore https://t.co/PBg8OORUkt
— Rohan Pareek (@WannabeGhalib) October 7, 2022
such services who take over charges should be banned. #Ola #Uber #Rapido you all deserve this.
— Ro (@rohit_nakhwa) October 7, 2022