OTS to take on Uber and Ola
Posted on: 27/Feb/2018 2:42:25 PM
The cab service of the Ottunar Thozhargal Sangam, or OTS, is expected to hit the roads this March. The group, consisting of three thousand drivers is set to take on corporate cab aggregators such as Uber and Ola in Chennai. The new entity is affiliated to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, or CITU.
Speaking about this, representatives of the OTS said, Unlike the case with existing app-based cab aggregators, there will be no surge pricing in OTS taxis. Besides, there will be no waiting charges or additional hidden charges if a passenger changes the destination point. Fares will be calculated only based on the total distance travelled which will be flashed on the mobile phone screen after the ride comes to an end.
The idea is to ensure that the passengers are not fleeced and drivers too enjoy the benefits of app-based cab bookings. At present, cab aggregators collect 20 – 21 per cent of the total earnings of drivers as commission over and above the Goods and Services Tax, or GST. In OTS taxis, drivers will be charged only 7 per cent along with 5 per cent GST towards this head. We are currently working on the fare slab to be prepared based on the car model. Until then, after the service is launched, bookings can be made through phone calls. The organisation has approached BSNL for a catchy contact number that is likely to be launched in a couple of days.
