Mumbai's Kaali Peeli Taxis to Soon Ride For Uber in SoBo

Mumbai taxi unions may have protested against app-based taxi service Uber, but in the run of sustainability, eventually seems to have given up. You will soon have the option of booking Kaali Peeli taxi from the company's app. The option will be extended to users in South Mumbai, from Colaba to Worli areas. These cabs have joined the app platform and will charge the normal RTO approved fares.

A report in The Times of India quoted an official from the firm as saying, "We are still building a network of Kaali Peeli taxi operators as the service has just begun and we want more cabbies in the city to join our platform. In coming weeks, we will be able to put maximum taxis on the platform so that commuters can get affordable non-AC rides on demand."

Another official said that you may also save a bit by using Mumbai's age-old taxis as they will run on the meter which is government approved rates. While currently, the service is only for SoBo, in the future, there are plans to extend it to the western and eastern suburbs. Several Kaali Peeli drivers said they were already plying for Ola, and with Uber's new welcoming move, they could increase their income.

An Uber spokesperson added saying, "Mumbai's Kaali Peelis are a critical component of the city’s mobility needs. Ride-sharing technologies like Uber can help bring thousands of Kaali Peeli drivers into the digital fold and improve their service delivery/ efficiency and augment their earnings potential."

Last month, there were large speculations that competitors Ola and Uber are planning on a merger. As per reports, the two companies have engaged in discussions on the same but no formal agreement has been made.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 30, 2018 09:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).