Commuters seek app-based cabs on first day of odd-even rule

NEW DELHI: As nearly half of private cars in the city went off the streets, several commuters chose app-based cab services to reach their destinations on day one of the Delhi government's odd-even scheme to curb air pollution in the national capital.

In view of the Kejriwal government's road-rationing plan, budget cab service providers have come out with carpooling options besides shuttle services.

Earlier this week, Delhi transport minister Gopal Rai launched 'Poocho' app through which commuters can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis on the lines of private taxi cab services to accommodate extra rush of passengers.

"The response so far is promising and we see it scaling up significant in days to come. We are committed to building mobility for a billion Indians and we believe that sustainable initiatives like CarPool, Ola Share and Ola Shuttle will go a long way in realizing our mission. We expect demand to be high but we are ready for it," an Ola spokesperson claimed.

US-based taxi service Uber today also saw a "huge and massive" uptake for their Uber Driver-Commuter service as well as Uber Rider service.

"Today we saw a huge and massive uptake for our Uber Driver-commuter service as well as Uber Rider service. Our services are available from 7 am to 9 pm. In fact a lot of people took to Uber for car-pooling services."

"For the convenience of our customers we are providing cars at minimum 30 per cent less charge for Rider service where a commuter can take a car for individual use if you have a valid driving license," Uber spokesperson Ruchika Tomar claimed.

However, some commuters alleged that a few cab services "spiked fares" during peak hours.

In order to resolve the transport congestion problem, the government, public and private players need to work in tandem with each other, Siddhartha Pahwa, CEO, Meru Cabs, said in a statement.

Meru's Carpool and Rideshare services in conjunction with the odd-even rule will enable Delhi citizens to commute in a safe and convenient way, he said.