Bengaluru, Nov 29 (PTI JD(S)-backed app-based cab service'Namma TYGR' hit the road here today, taking on giant cabaggregators like Ola and Uber who dominate the ride hailingspace.
Launched by former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo H DDevegowda, the Namma TYGR claimed that there are 5,000 cabsassociated with it.
The new service is the initiative of the JD(S)-backed cabdrivers association and Kolkata-based startup TYGR.
Initially it was planned to name it HDK TYGR, where HDKstood for Devegowda's son and former chief minister of Karnataka H D Kumaraswamy.
Later, it was dropped as Kumaraswamy did not agree tobrand it after him.
Thus, it got the new name Namma TYGR.
Namma in Kannada means 'our' and TYGR is the short formof tiger.
The idea of Namma TYGR originated from the strike a yearago by Ola and Uber drivers,who had alleged harassment and lowreturns from their employers.
After knocking on the doors of many politicians andbureaucrats, the drivers had approached Kumaraswamy, who hadannounced the launch of a cooperation based cab aggregator.
Like other cab aggregators, Namma TYGR is an app based service, using Google map's geo-positioning system.
Initially the services will be available in thecategories of Special Utility Vehicle (air conditioned), Sedan(AC) and Hatchback (mini cabs).
TYGR coin is where users can deposit their money and useit as per the ride.
Tanveer, who had led the agitation against other cab aggregators a year ago and is a force behind Namma TYGR, saidKolkata based Savetur Digital Private Limited would operate itunder the banner Huli Technologies (Huli in Kannada means tiger).
"Aditya Poddar, Sumit Kumar and Dipanjan will be in charge of its management, technology, finances and marketing,"he said.
Speaking at the launch, Devegowda said TYGR would takecare of the interests of drivers and also the customers.
"We will provide the best comfort to the drivers. This isone of the finest decisions Kumaraswamy has taken. Earlier hewon the hearts of the people of Karnataka during his 20 months rule. Our effort will financially strengthen those who toil hard to make a living," he said.
The former prime minister predicted that his son wouldbecome chief minister once again after the Assembly elections,which are due early next year, due to his 'pro-people'measures. PTI GMS RA APRAPR.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.