BENGALURU: App-based services have helped in solving commute woes of many in the city, even with shortcomings. For senior citizens who don’t have smartphones or don’t know how to use them, travel is a hassle.Unlike in cities like Mumbai, Kolkata or New Delhi, there are no regular (black-and-yellow) taxis in Bengaluru.
“Only a handful of auto drivers use meter and most of them refuse to ply short distances. It’s difficult to travel in BMTC buses because it is crowded and unreliable,” said 55-year-old Leelamma N, who is visiting from Kolkata.
“In Kolkata, there are alternatives like private buses, shared cabs and regular taxis. Most cab aggregators don’t allow booking through phone since they are app-based,” she said.
A few commuters say that the black-and-yellow taxis are cheaper and reliable than cab services like Ola and Uber. “I have travelled in regular taxis in Mumbai. There is no need to bargain with them and they never refuse a ride,” said Avinash K, a resident of HSR Layout.
K Radhakrishna Holla, president of Bangalore Tourist Taxi Owners Association, said, “Many senior citizens now rely on private taxi companies where you can book a vehicle through the phone.”