Business Standard

Namma Yatri drives into Bengaluru with zero commission cab service

- PEERZADA ABRAR

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.

 ?? ?? Namma Yatri services will be competing with players such as Uber and Ola, which levy commission­s on their driver partners
Namma Yatri services will be competing with players such as Uber and Ola, which levy commission­s on their driver partners

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