Namma Yatri drives into Bengaluru with zero commission cab service
Mobility app Namma Yatri on Tuesday announced the launch of its cab services in Bengaluru. Addressing the prevalent issues of high commissions and lack of transparency, the company said it is dedicated to a ‘lifetime zero-commission’, ‘direct-to-driver’ model of operation. The strategic shift will not only enhance drivers’ income but also ensure better vehicle maintenance and elevated customer experiences, the company said.
The platform unveiled subscription plans for cab: free until Oct 1 and thereafter ~90 daily for unlimited rides. Namma Yatri already has 25,000 cab drivers and aims to onboard over 1 lakh drivers in the next six months.
“We are dedicated to empowering drivers through cuttingedge technology at an optimal cost, fostering satisfaction among both drivers and commuters,” said Magizhan Selvan, chief executive of Namma Yatri. “We have received strong support from the cab driver community. Our driver wellness programs, initiatives for safety and sakkath-service are adapted for the cab driver community. Ensuring driver satisfaction translates directly into providing the best service to valued customers,” said Selvan.
With this service, Namma Yatri will now enter into competition with players like Uber and Ola, who levy commissions on their driverpartners. While Namma Yatri follows a zerocommission model, there could be issues like the platform taking up less responsibility as it is a marketplace, compared to Uber and Ola, which are cab aggregators. There are also issues related to bypassing the local laws including state permits and moving from the organised to unorganised sector.
Namma Yatri operates within the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network, offering 100 per cent open data and open-source code. The company said it takes the lead as the first app to embrace the latest ‘pricing guidelines’ set forth by the Karnataka government. The platform said this commitment ensures fair pricing practices, eliminating unjustified surge pricing during peak hours for the benefit of customers and drivers alike.
“Their community-centric approach and pioneering efforts in driver welfare set a commendable precedent,” said Ramalinga Reddy, Minister of Transport and Muzrai, Govt of Karnataka, at the launch event. “I applaud their commitment to innovation, transparency, and inclusivity, and wish them success with the cab service launch,” said Reddy.
The platform said that Namma Yatri’s cabs, like its autorickshaws, would prioritise transparency and efficiency. It offers cab services like NON-AC Mini, AC Mini, Sedan and XL Cab, catering to diverse customer needs. NON-AC Mini Cab, a unique addition, addresses frequent misunderstandings between drivers and customers regarding AC usage. It sets clear service expectations and competitive pricing for budget-conscious customers while promoting eco-friendly rides.
The app expects to introduce inter-city, rentals, scheduled rides across Karnataka. It also aims to accommodate special requests like disability-friendly rides, extra luggage, travelling with pets, and trips to public transport hubs.
Shaik Salauddin, elected national general secretary of The Indian Federation of Appbased Transport Workers (IFAT) said Namma Yatri has developed a direct-to-driver, open mobility platform to empower the community and offer fair pay and mutual respect. “It will amplify welfare schemes for gig and platform workers,” said Salauddin.
With its community-led approach, Namma Yatri said it is committed to fast pickups, low cancellations, affordable prices, and reliable service. As the platform continues to grow, it remains focused on fostering a sustainable and inclusive transportation ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.