Bengaluru drivers to launch app cabs to take on Uber, Ola

Disgruntled drivers attached with Ola and Uber have decided to take matters into their own hands by launching an app to take on the app-based cab aggregators.

“Around 45,000 drivers, who are part of 13 unions, have expressed their interest in supporting this initiative,” Tanveer Pasha, coordinator of the OlaTaxiForSure-Uber Owners’ and Drivers’ Association, said.

In this bid, they have received support from Janata Dal (Secular) leader and former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy. Kumaraswamy has promised to take care of the initial investment and help procure servers. In honour of his help, the drivers have decided to name the company HDK Cabs.

“My intention is to do some good to these drivers. Many of them have taken loans to buy new cars because they were promised high incomes by Ola and Uber. They are now unable to pay back these loans and even feed their families,” Kumaraswamy said.

The drivers have received three proposals for the apps from three companies. “We are looking to buy the app and give the company a contract to maintain it. We are also looking at setting up back-end offices,” Pasha said.

However, unlike Uber and Ola, the incentive for drivers to join HDK Cabs is the low commission they have to pay.

“We have decided to charge only 5% commission. The other attraction is that we will provide them a host of welfare measures,” Pasha said.

The welfare measures include car washes twice a month and health insurance cover for the drivers and their families.