New 'dynamic fare' for app-based cabs from July 20

Kolkata: The new "dynamic fare" for the app-based cabs is going to be effective from July 20.

The dynamic fare will not exceed more than 45 percent of the charges for air-conditioned metered taxis approved by the government. The approved fare for an air-conditioned metered taxi is Rs 18.75 and the waiting or ride-time charges and service charges will get added.

According to a press communiqué issued by the state Transport department on Friday, both the app-based cab aggregators have informed the department about the changes to be brought about in the pricing pattern following the meeting. State Transport minister Suvendu Adhikari held a meeting with authorities of the app-based cab aggregators on July 4 in this connection. It may be mentioned that the state Transport department had been receiving repeated complaints of high surge fare for app-based cab services for the past few months. As a result, the state Transport department had initiated finding a solution and held meetings with the operators.

It may be mentioned that both the companies shall also try to limit the total number of rides that would be charged with dynamic fares, which are more than the authoritative price for air-conditioned meter taxis, to within 25 percent of the total rides for a month. The aggregators also agreed to have a good number of rides with fares below the authoritative prices. At the same time, both the companies would be submitting monthly compliance reports with aggregated data to the Transport department that will evaluate the scenario within three months. The companies have also requested the state Transport department to take steps to issue new permits for commercial cars and bike-taxis in order to increase the availability of the vehicles.

Meanwhile, the state Transport department has also taken steps to ensure that the commission system of payment for drivers and conductors of private buses are abolished and salaries are started. The step has been taken to bring down the rate of accidents caused due to racing between two or more buses. It would come into effect from August 1.

The top brass of the state Transport department already held meetings with representatives of the bus owners' associations. Sources said a committee has also been formed to prepare a time-table based on which the buses will be plying in a particular area.