New Delhi: The Kerala government is prepared to compete in the online taxi service sector, which is dominated by multinational corporations. On Wednesday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched ‘Kerala Savaari,’ the country’s first government-owned online auto-taxi service, in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Kerala Savari will have a fleet of around 500 autos and taxis enrolled, with a service charge of 8%, as opposed to the 20-30% levied by private operators. Passengers have been assured that they will not face exorbitant fares during peak hours because the government has decided to implement fixed fares, as opposed to the ‘peak time’ fares used by private operators.
After receiving numerous complaints about difficulties encountered by passengers and drivers as a result of corporate service providers’ policies, the Left Democratic Government (LDF) decided to launch its own online taxi service app.
V Sivankutty, state minister for labour, said during the app’s launch: “Traditional works and workers are the most affected by neo-liberal policies being implemented. Though people are using online services, exploitation of workers and passengers has continued. The government decided to enter this sector dominated by the corporates to ensure affordable and safe travel to citizens.”
he fares will be fixed, unlike the private players who charge exorbitantly during ‘dynamic’ pricing during peak hours, said the minister.
“There will be no fluctuation in the charges in the Kerala Savari app. The private companies increase the charges by up to one-and-a-half times during peak hours. Neither passengers nor workers benefit from this”, a statement from the Kerala government read.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, after flagging off the service, tweeted: “Flagged off Kerala Savari, the 1st online taxi service under the public initiative. Government-approved fares and remuneration will ensure safe commutes and fair wages. The public won’t be fleeced and drivers won’t be exploited. Kerala Model shines yet again, this time through our Labour Department.”
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