Users upset over fares, random allotment of cabs by operators

Ever since such cab services were launched in the city, they received a good response among the city residents. Many commuters prefer the cab services for convenient travel and cheap rates in comparison to autorickshaws. 

However, complaints of exorbitant fares and unavailability of cabs among the commuters are gradually surfacing. “I booked a cab for Secretariat Colony from Vepery, a distance of hardly 5 km and I was shocked after I noticed the fare, which popped up as Rs 380. 

I intermittently take a cab to reach my home and the normal fare would be Rs 82,” said T Ashok, a private firm employee. He then cancelled the service and took an MTC bus to reach home, he added. Similarly, another commuter, who booked from Chintadripet to New Washermenpet faced the same problem. 

“I would take cabs twice a month and the fare would be between Rs 150 and Rs 180. During a rainy day, I booked a cab and my mobile display showed Rs 448,” the commuter said and added that then he took an auto for Rs 180. “If such a trend continues, people will avoid the cab services,” he said. 

A cab driver agreed that the fare was sometime exorbitant. “Since, drivers have already protested demanding pay incentives and decent salaries, companies use the opportunity during rainy days, peak hours and auspicious days to collect extra fares,” the driver added. 

Karthik, a staff in the complaint care section of OLA, denied the allegations. “If you face such an issue, just contact or mail us,” was the terse reply from him. When contacted, A Veerpanadian, Joint Transport Commissioner (Administration), said that a surge in pricing was illegal. “We have sent details regarding this to the government for monitoring such cab firms,” he added.