With taxi aggregators including Ola and Uber unrelenting to the <keyword id="6354780" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="karnataka" source="Orion">Karnataka</keyword> government's direction to <keyword id="15205160" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="stop-autorickshaw-services" source="Orion">stop autorickshaw services</keyword> under its domain with immediate effect, the state transport department has warned that the enforcement will start from Monday. The state government had on Thursday issued a notice to Ola, Uber and other taxi aggregators for violating the Karnataka On-demand <keyword id="15205161" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Transportation-Technology-Aggregators-Rule" source="Orion">Transportation Technology Aggregators Rule</keyword> 2016 by illegally operating autorickshaws and overcharging from the customers. However, the cab aggregators have shown no sign of falling in line with the government order. "We had given them three days to stop their services. We also had asked them in our notice to furnish details if they have any to us in this duration. They have not responded yet. So, the enforcement will start from tomorrow," a senior transport department official told PTI. On Sunday as well, the autorickshaw services were operating and the charges remained exorbitant compared to the meter-based regular charges. An autorickshaw driver Manjunath, who is associated with a cab aggregator firm, said he would like to see the government taking action. "We had seen a similar notice served to the cab aggregators just before the elections but no action was taken again. Now once again when the assembly elections are nearing, similar notice has been served. I want to see the government taking action," he said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/toy-industry-can-generate-30000-jobs-in-tamil-nadu-with-govt-support/articleshow/94740907.cms" style="">Toy industry can generate 30,000 jobs in Tamil Nadu with govt support</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/us-issues-four-travel-advisories-for-india-this-year-maintains-same-level-since-march-28/articleshow/94737253.cms" style="">US issues four travel advisories for India this year; maintains same level since March 28</a>

Stop auto services, Karnataka govt warns cab aggregators

<keyword id="19895037" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bengaluru" source="keywords">Bengaluru</keyword>’s ride-hailing landscape has seen the emergence of a new player, ‘<keyword id="22009267" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nagara-Metered-Auto" source="keywords">Nagara Metered Auto</keyword>,’ launched in June and backed by the Karnataka State Driver’s Council. This service aims to reintroduce the <keyword id="22298940" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="metre-culture" source="keywords">metre culture</keyword> in the city, offering rides at government-fixed rates. Shivanna from NMA notes that the goal is to combat the cheating experienced by <keyword id="19933374" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="auto-drivers" source="keywords">auto drivers</keyword> with other <keyword id="19945903" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ride-hailing-apps" source="keywords">ride-hailing apps</keyword> and reestablish the trust and reliability of metered autos. “After conducting many surveys in the city and talking one-on-one with auto drivers, we came to the conclusion that metred autos work the best,” explained Shivanna to Deccan Herald. “Many auto drivers told us they were getting cheated by other ride-hailing apps and they would rather go back to using the metre”. <h2>How to use and challenges</h2>Unlike conventional ride-hailing apps, Nagara Metered Auto stands out by operating primarily through a website and a WhatsApp chatbot, eliminating the need for passengers to download a separate mobile application. Drivers, however, are required to download an app to register and use the service. The fare structure is straightforward: Rs 30 for the first 2 km and Rs 15 for every additional kilometre, adhering strictly to government-set rates. To book a ride, users can simply text ‘Hi’ to a WhatsApp number. They will receive a One Time Password (OTP), valid for eight minutes, to start a street-hailed ride. Alternatively, drivers registered on the app are identifiable by the branding on their autos, and they can initiate rides using a unique QR code for street-hailing passengers. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111457653" title="Brace yourself, Bengaluru! Traffic could get a whole lot worse as BBMP announces major roadwork in many key areas" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Despite its promising concept, Nagara Metered Auto faces teething issues. DH’s attempts to hail rides in areas like M G Road, Indiranagar, Okalipuram, and Sheshadripuram were reportedly unsuccessful, as the website failed to assign a driver. The majority of auto drivers, particularly from localities like Yeshwantpur, Nandini Layout, and Whitefield, have registered, but awareness among drivers remains low. <h2>Government crackdown on bike taxis</h2>Meanwhile, the ride-hailing sector in Bengaluru is facing fresh regulatory scrutiny. After massive protests from the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations, the state transport department has announced plans to crack down on bike taxis operating illegally in the city. In March, the Karnataka Government had banned the operation of electric bike taxis in the state after they were deemed “unsafe for women”. The Federation’s demands also include implementing a ‘one city, one fare’ policy, issuing permits to school cabs and buses, regulating private cab aggregators’ commissions, and controlling the pricing of vehicle tracking devices. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111496190" title="Bengaluru&amp;#39;s residential real estate market soars as prices shoot up by 32% year on year" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Bengaluru's newest ride-hailing app allows you to book autos via WhatsApp, to follow govt rates

<ul><li>The Indian government has warned cab aggregators over rising consumer complaints.</li><li>The government is expected to issue guidelines to remove unfair trade practices.</li><li>The government has also asked aggregators to reveal their algorithm and policies for determining price and cancellation charges.</li></ul>The government has come down heavily on cab aggregators like <keyword id="1042120" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="uber" source="Orion">Uber</keyword> and <keyword id="6354720" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ola" source="Orion">Ola</keyword> amid increasing consumer complaints over “unfair trade practices” such as surge pricing, ride cancellation, drivers refusing to turn on the air conditioner and more. According to a <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/auto/indian-govt-directs-ola-uber-to-improve-cab-quality-services-stop-unfair-trade-practice-2462130.html">report</a>, the consumer affairs ministry held a meeting with companies such as Uber, Ola, Rapido, Meru Cabs and Jugnoo and warned the companies of strict action. The main issues under discussion included the surge pricing, frequent cancellation of rides by drivers over trivial issues such as the destination and payment mode, refusal to turn on air conditioners in cabs, different pricing for different users and more. Cab aggregators have announced <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/uber-announces-a-price-hike-of-12-for-cab-rides-in-delhi/articleshow/90793725.cms">price hikes</a> in several cities across the country. One of the reasons announced for the price hike was the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/petrol-and-diesel-prices-hiked-for-the-13th-time-in-15-days/articleshow/90655551.cms">increasing</a> cost of petrol and diesel in the country. Some cab drivers have also been <a href="https://telanganatoday.com/cab-drivers-in-hyderabad-to-charge-extra-for-ac-amid-rising-fuel-prices">refusing</a> to turn on the air conditioner, asking riders to pay an additional amount. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Govt warns about strict action" comment="subhead" text="Govt warns about strict action">Govt warns about strict action</cmsannotation> “We told them (cab aggregators) about the rising consumer complaints against their platforms. We gave them the statistics also. We have asked them to improve their system and redress the consumer complaints otherwise the competent authority will take strict action,” Rohit Kumar Singh, consumer affairs secretary said after the meeting. "The authority is likely to issue an advisory to ensure that unfair trade practices by cab aggregators are not carried on in violation of consumers' rights," said Nidhi Khare, chief commissioner, Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). "The number of complaints is very high and therefore we have called the cab aggregators for an explanation of their policies," Khare said. “We are engaged with the Department of Consumer Affairs and deeply appreciate the feedback provided by them and will continue to provide our inputs. We strive to be the platform of choice for riders and drivers alike and continue to invest in technology and customer support to deliver an excellent experience for them," Nitish Bhushan, Head of Central Operations, Uber India and South Asia said in a statement to Business Insider India "We are committed to continually raising the bar – for ourselves, our industry, and most importantly for the people who use our services," Bhushan added. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Inflated price for old customers" comment="subhead" text="Inflated price for old customers">Inflated price for old customers</cmsannotation> Another issue that has come under the government’s scanner is surge pricing and differential pricing for old and new customers. "It appears that cab aggregators are using algorithms to lure new customers, putting old customers at a disadvantage. This is an unfair practice," Khare added. As per the regulator, cab aggregators are charging a premium to their existing customers and offering discounts to lure new customers. Differential pricing for the same location has been termed as an “unfair practice” by the regulator. Khare has added that aggregators will be called upon to reveal their algorithms and policies that are used to determine prices, cancellation charges and surge prices. The aggregators have also been asked to reveal the steps taken by them to safeguard customer’s personal data on their platforms. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/ubers-ceo-said-hiring-will-be-treated-as-a-privilege-and-inefficient-incentives-will-be-cut/articleshow/91439331.cms">Uber's CEO said hiring will be treated as a 'privilege' and inefficient incentives will be cut</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/how-a-group-of-youtubers-pranked-a-scam-call-centre-in-india-that-earns-18-million-per-year/articleshow/91463331.cms">Here's how a group of YouTubers pranked a scam call centre in India that makes $18 million per year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/top-profitable-startups-in-india-in-2021-22-zerodha-zoho-dream-11-and-firstcry-in-the-list/slidelist/91484233.cms">Top 10 profitable startups in India – from Zerodha to Zoho and Firstcry, here’s the list</a>

Indian government accuses Ola, Uber and other aggregators of inflating cab prices for older customers

The <keyword id="58906" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="karnataka-government" source="Orion">Karnataka government</keyword> on Saturday held a meeting with the representatives of cab aggregators <keyword id="1042120" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uber" source="Orion">Uber</keyword>, <keyword id="6354720" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ola" source="Orion">Ola</keyword> and <keyword id="3269053" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rapido" source="Orion">Rapido</keyword> over high auto-rickshaw fares. However, the auto rickshaw union cried foul and dubbed the meeting just an "eye wash". The meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary N.V Prasad and Transport Department Commissioner THM Kumar of the Transport Department. Though the details of the meeting were not made public, sources said that requests have been placed before the department to fix Rs 100 per kilometre for auto rickshaws. The government is all set to fix the fares for cab aggregators in the wake of allegations of charging exorbitant prices. The High Court had also given directions for the government to fix the price within 15 days. Sources say that the cab service providers are pressing for a 30 per cent hike of fares. However, the Transport Department is maintaining that they have not got any such demands. The High Court is taking up the matter of fixing fares on November 7. However, senior advocate Amruthesh, who represents auto unions stated after the meeting that it's just an eye wash. The meeting ended without fixing fares. He further stated that the meeting was held only to inform the court on November 7 that they had held a meeting in this regard. "For five to six years cab aggregators have been looting the public's money. It was explained in detail in the meeting, but it ended without taking any decision, he added. The Transport Department has given the cab aggregators a free ride without any restrictions. No auto union leaders have been invited for the meeting, he charged. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/date-of-sip-investment-doesnt-matter-says-whiteoak-amc/articleshow/95164874.cms" style="">Date of SIP investment doesn't matter, says Whiteoak AMC</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/global-smartphone-market-sinks-to-lowest-q3-level-since-2014/articleshow/95163037.cms" style="">Global smartphone market sinks to lowest Q3 level since 2014</a>

Karnataka govt meets with Uber, Ola, Rapido; auto-rickshaw union terms it 'eye wash'

The Delhi government has set up 1,000 charging points in less than a year for electric vehicles under the <keyword id="879698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="single-window-facility" source="Orion">single window facility</keyword>, said an official statement on Sunday. The government is planning to set up 18,000 such points in the next three years. In November 2021, it had set in place a single window facility for installation of EV chargers in private and semi-public spaces in Delhi, which includes residential spaces like apartments and group housing societies, institutional buildings like hospitals, and commercial spaces like kirana stores, shops and malls. Through the facility, any resident of Delhi can request installation of a charger from empanelled vendors in their premises, either through the online portal of DISCOM or by making a phone call. Delhi has three electricity providers namely BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL). The Delhi EV policy provides for a subsidy of Rs 6,000 per charging point for the first 30,000 slow charging points. The net cost paid by the user after deducting Rs 6,000 includes EV charger, installation and maintenance costs for 3 years. The net cost of these EV chargers, after subsidy, is as low as Rs 2,500. The government has completed the installation of 1,000 Electric Vehicles (EV) charging points under the facility, in less than a year. This includes 682 charging points installed at 315 locations by BRPL, 150 charging points installed at 70 locations by BYPL and 168 charging points installed at 50 locations by TPDDL. Nearly 59 per cent of these chargers have been installed by the Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs), 15 per cent EV chargers setup in office premises and 13 per cent in e-rickshaw parking. Delhi Government will spend Rs 60 lakh as subsidy on these 1,000 charging points. Under the single window process, Delhi Government, via the DISCOMS, has empanelled nearly 10 vendors for helping the citizens to choose from various EV chargers. Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said the government aims to bolster the EV charging infrastructure across the city by providing a network of private and public charging facilities within three kilometre from anywhere in Delhi. "It is just the beginning as Delhi plans to install 18,000 charging points in the next three years making it easier for the citizens of Delhi to opt for an Electric vehicle instead of an ICE vehicle. By the end of 2024, Delhi is determined to have one out of every four new vehicles purchased to be an Electric vehicle," he added. The Delhi EV Policy was launched in August 2020 with the aim of establishing Delhi as the EV capital of India and accelerating the pace of EV adoption across vehicle segments especially in the mass category of two wheelers, public and shared transport vehicles and goods carriers. Under the Delhi EV policy 2020, more than 72,000 Electric vehicles have been sold till now with more than 41,000 EVs being sold this year, the statement added SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/stop-auto-services-karnataka-govt-warns-cab-aggregators/articleshow/94741744.cms" style="">Stop auto services, Karnataka govt warns cab aggregators</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/this-giant-swing-in-manali-runs-on-ai/articleshow/94741834.cms" style="">This giant swing in Manali runs on AI</a>

1,000 EV charging stations to be set up in Delhi in a year: govt

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/51922856.cms" />A day after <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=arvind+kejriwal&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government</a> warned cab operators such as <keyword id="1042120" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uber">Uber</keyword> and <keyword id="6354720" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ola">Ola</keyword> against <keyword id="6405687" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Surge-Pricing">surge pricing</keyword> during the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=odd+even+rule&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Odd-Even rule Part II</a>, the state government is now working to create a framework to plug in surge pricing permanently. 
 
A policy is being prepared in which a price band would be set for the cab operators. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=ola&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Ola</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=uber&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Uber</a> have suspended the surge pricing till April 30, last day of Odd-Even but it is yet to be seen how the new policy will affect the taxi aggregators. 
 
"The central government has told all states to prepare a policy. Two states have already made it. We are also making it. To ensure better service for citizens, the minimum and the maximum will be etched out. Rest, it is the operator's decision," a senior official told ET. " 
 
However, Ola and Uber said they are not transport companies and just technology providers. 
 
READ ALSO: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Odd-even-scheme-Facing-criticism-Ola-Shuttle-announces-free-rides-in-Delhi-NCR/articleshow/51912224.cms">Odd-even scheme: Facing criticism, Ola Shuttle announces free rides in Delhi-NCR</a> 
 
While Uber and Ola both confirmed that surge pricing as a core business model won't change for India, both are encouraging riders to choose their carpool and ride share services. That increases one's possibility of hailing a cab, and taxi aggregators still get your cash. Something's better than nothing, after all. However, between the clash of the Titans, two people get stuck, the rider and the driver. 
 
The companies aren't very happy for obvious reasons. On one hand is the obvious hit to the business, on the other hand local governments playing around with their core business model leaves them struggling to supply enough cars in high-demand metros. 
 
READ ALSO: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Exclusive-Uber-says-surge-pricingas-a-core-model-wont-change-for-India/articleshow/51905905.cms">Exclusive: Uber says surge pricing as a core model won’t change for India</a> 
 
Meanwhile, the policy will take at least 20 more days to finalise. 
 
Kejriwal said that the surge pricing is daylight robbery and no responsible government can allow that.

Delhi govt wants to make sure Uber, Ola cabs come with fixed price band

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/56957803.cms" /> 
 Ride-sharing with cab aggregators has been banned in <keyword id="6354321" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru">Bengaluru</keyword>, starting today. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/kfc-gives-customers-a-chance-to-taste-nashville-chicken-using-their-minds/articleshow/56952524.cms">ALSO READ: KFC gives customers a chance to taste ‘Nashville Chicken’ using their minds</a> 
 The government of <keyword id="6354780" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword> has decided to curb ride sharing where can aggregators pick up more than one customer from different locations and take a fraction of the cost of the ride for it. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/this-is-what-snapdeals-new-office-in-bengaluru-looks-like/articleshow/56952996.cms">ALSO READ: This is what Snapdeal’s new office in Bengaluru looks like</a> 
 To garner support for ride-sharing and highlighting it's positive effects, <keyword id="6354720" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ola">Ola</keyword> sent out a mailer to its 7000+ employees, yesterday. This is what the mailer said: 
 
Sometimes, it takes all of us working together to make our city a better place to live in. People sharing a cab not only leads to fewer cars on the road but also means clearer roads, and cleaner air not just for today, but for the generations ahead. 
 Here's how millions of Bangaloreans came together and opted <keyword id="3071535" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ola-Share">Ola Share</keyword> in 2016 to make their city greener. 
 
- 1,106,134 litres of fuel saved 
 
- 1,871,579 kgs of Co2 emission reduced 
 
- 13,273,613 kms driven less 
 To continue making a difference show your support for ride-sharing. We urge all our employees to join us in promoting the <keyword id="4134929" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="BLRDoYourShare-campaign">#BLRDoYourShare campaign</keyword>. Please tweet, post, share and spread the word with your family and friends, because sharing begins at home! 
 
To support ride-sharing with Ola, visit the company's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Olacabs/">Facebook</a> or twitter page.

EXCLUSIVE: Here's what Ola told its employees post govt's ban on ridesharing

Dr. Renil Manat is on the top of the world as his long-time associate and family friend, Dr. <keyword id="15170344" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="morten-meldal" source="Orion">Morten Meldal</keyword> has won the <keyword id="520296" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nobel-Prize-for-Chemistry" source="Orion">Nobel Prize for Chemistry</keyword>. Manat has a Ph.D. in <keyword id="6371068" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="chemistry" source="Orion">Chemistry</keyword> from <keyword id="166591" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="mahatma-gandhi-university" source="Orion">Mahatma Gandhi University</keyword>, Kerala under Dr. V.N. Rajashekaran Pillai, a former Chairman of University Grants Commission. The Keralite who has roots in Kozhikode and Thalassery, while speaking to IANS from Copenhagen, Denmark over the telephone, said, "It's really a happy moment of Dr. Morten <keyword id="15172635" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="meldal" source="Orion">Meldal</keyword> winning the Nobel prize for Chemistry with two others. I am associated with Dr. Morten Meldal for several years and it was in fact his invitation that brought me to Denmark." Manat said that he and his family were at Meldal's home for breakfast on Sunday. He said that Copenhagen is a hub of research in Biotechnology and Chemistry, adding that several Indian IT companies have also now set foot in Denmark. Manat did his Chemistry graduation from Malabar Christian College, Kozhikode, and his Post Graduation from S.N. College, Kollam followed by Ph.D. from Mahatma Gandhi University under the guidance of Prof V.N. Rajashekhara Pillai. Manat is now with Carlsberg Research Laboratory (CRL) and is associated with Meldal being invited by him to join his team in CRL along with a few other scientists. The Indian-born scientist speaks highly of Meldal and said that the Nobel Prize winner has been a major support base for him ever since he landed in Copenhagen. Manat's wife Chandini Renil is a pedagogue at European School in Copenhagen while Meldal's wife Phaedria is an entrepreneur and the family enjoys a warm relationship. Meldal had in between opened a biotech company where Manat was also associating. However, due to some licensing issues, it has to be shut down and Manat joined back in CRL while Meldel joined the University of Copenhagen. Meldel and Manat had developed a biodegradable packing material in 2008 and the patent for this is with the CLR. Manat is now working on innovative beer flavours and some of them are based on ayurvedic herbs. The Kerala-based scientist also said that there are chances of Meldel would come to Kerala to attend the Kerala Science Congress which is to be held in January 2023. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/telecom-sector-to-ring-in-stability-in-q2-jio-and-airtel-expected-to-grow-stronger-vi-weaker/articleshow/94709309.cms">Telecom sector to ring in stability in Q2 – Jio and Airtel expected to grow stronger, Vi weaker</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/stop-auto-services-karnataka-govt-warns-cab-aggregators/articleshow/94741744.cms">Stop auto services, Karnataka govt warns cab aggregators</a>

You Searched For "Karnataka govt warns cab aggregators" and got 8 results

Stop auto services, Karnataka govt warns cab aggregators

PTI

Bengaluru's newest ride-hailing app allows you to book autos via WhatsApp, to follow govt rates

BI India Bureau

Indian government accuses Ola, Uber and other aggregators of inflating cab prices for older customers

Sourabh Jain

Karnataka govt meets with Uber, Ola, Rapido; auto-rickshaw union terms it 'eye wash'

IANS

1,000 EV charging stations to be set up in Delhi in a year: govt

PTI

Delhi govt wants to make sure Uber, Ola cabs come with fixed price band

BI India Bureau

EXCLUSIVE: Here's what Ola told its employees post govt's ban on ridesharing

Tanya Dubey

Chemistry Nobel winner Morten Meldal has Kerala connection

IANS