App-based cabs make a killing, fleece customers

The private cab drivers are reaping the benefits of the Odd-Even policy. The scheme which started on the first day of January 2016 saw odd number plate vehicles plying on odd days and even number plate vehicles plying on even days. To cash in on the rush of office goers who has to abide by the rule for the next ten days, private cab companies like Ola and Uber are making the most of it.

Arvind, an IT professional working in a private company in Gurgaon said: “I had to drop my parents from Dwarka to the New Delhi Railway Station which normally costs Rs 250. However, since the driver of the cab was not available in the nearby area, a driver was arranged for which I had to pay Rs 750 which is thrice the amount.” The concept of surcharge was usually limited to peak hours during festival season and especially at the New Year’s Eve but the common man is facing the brunt of the road rationing policy which is only adding to the woes of the commuters who can only take out their vehicles at alternative days.

In this situation, cab drivers are the true winners as they can charge twice or thrice depending on the distance. According to private cab company applications, the surcharge is on a one to five scale. This means that farther away the destination is from the cab driver’s location, more money he can charge on being called. This is exceptionally true during peak hours.

Neha, a resident of Uttam Nagar said: “I had to go to Chattarpur farms to attend a family wedding function. I had to pay double the price as it was a daunting task to take the Metro. Moreover, I will any day pay Rs 400 or 500 than a hefty fine of Rs 2000 for breaking the odd even rule.”