The Bengaluru Auto Rickshaw Driver’s Union (ARDU) is all set to launch its app ‘Namma Yatri’ on 1 November 2022. The application is a response to the discontent over the high fares of the cab-based app services. 10,000 downloads have already been recorded, even before the official launch of the application. The app is seen as a major alternative to the likes of Ola, Uber, Rapido, etc. It was launched in partnership with Beckn Foundation, a company which is backed by Infosys co-founder, Nandan Nilekani.
How Is ‘Namma Yatri’ Different From The Rest?
The app is inspired by the ‘Yatri app, based out of Kochi, Kerala. The specialty of the application is ‘reasonable prices’ as there will be 0 commission paid to the aggregator. The app will charge the government – set a base price, with an extra fare ranging from ₹10 to ₹30, depending on the distance.
The reviews for the app are already out, and people seem to be impressed with it. A Twitter user named Chinmay Dhumal shared their experience stating that the application does not charge any cancellation fees, and has a platform fee of not more than Rs. 30. However, the app only accepts payments in cash.
Bangalore Auto Rickshaw Drivers launched their own application called 'Namma Yatri' to tackle unfair comission charges of Ola/Uber.
– ₹30 fixed platform fees
– No cancellation charges
– Currently, Cash OnlyThe app is beautiful and responsive.
Bangalore is built different! pic.twitter.com/8J7OZIXcA1
— Chinmay Dhumal (@ChinmayDhumal) October 27, 2022
friendship ended with ola-uber, me and my homies use namma yatri 😍😍 pic.twitter.com/h0UesMs4iI
— Nilesh (@nileshnj993) October 7, 2022
Tried the #NammaYatri app today and damn it feels awesome to go back to reasonable fares for travelling through the city 🙂
— rajeev (side b) (@where_clown) October 12, 2022
Bangalore Auto Drivers launched ‘Namma Yatri’ an app (coz – peak Bangalore 🛺) – No overcharging and all, full government regulated rates and all. It’s all great
BUT
Itna sab karne se acha, meter se chal le, Mumbai ki tarah to bahoot kripa aur daya hoga 🙏, sab khus
— Manish Pandey (मनीष पाण्डेय) join2manish.eth (@join2manish) October 28, 2022
Why Were Ola, Uber, And Rapido Banned?
The State government of Karnataka banned online cab services providing applications like Ola, Uber, and Rapido on 12 October. The government reached this decision when they received several complaints of overcharging from the users. Post the announcement, Ola and Uber told the government that they had complied with the government rule of reducing the fare, and charging Rs. 30 for the first two kilometers.
Citizens of Bengaluru city had taken to social media to talk about this issue, and they also showed their anticipation for an alternative like the ‘Namma Yatri’ app.
