CHENNAI: Ola’s boat services were a hit, there is no disputing that. Even if there were others venturing into waters to rescue those stranded from waterlogged buildings, people, especially those of internet-age, will remember the cab-auto service’s smart initiative, if not by memory then by virtue of social media shares.
When the rains continued after a brief spell, it became obvious that immediate help was needed. On Tuesday, multiplex Satyam Cinemas and Phoenix Mall opened their gates to the rain-hit.
“My old classmate from the UK WhatsApped me asking to go to Phoenix Mall till rains stopped, as I live in Velachery. It got around fast,” recounts Priyanka, a resident of the waterlogged locality.
Now more companies like NTL taxis are plying people in hip-high water, while Zomato is working with seven city-based restaurants to deliver food at nominal prices, and is even making free deliveries for every two orders one places.
All Uber Rides Today Free
“Chennai, these are testing times,” says Uber, the global taxi operator that is present across more than 350 cities. Getting around the city is tough and the rains are expected to get worse. “We’re working extremely hard with our driver partners to ensure a reliable ride to get around Chennai,” says Uber.
“While we are helping transport supplies to relief camps, we’ve also disabled dynamic pricing and all rides taken in Chennai today and tomorrow will be free, to get you and your family from Point A to Point B safely,” said Uber in a statement.
The firm has said, people could face the higher than normal ETAs (Estimated Time of Arrival). It also said, cars are extremely limited and it might be tough to find a ride. It has also recommended sharing the ride to ensure all the cars on the road are utilised effectively. Whatever the rain brings, we’ll ride it out together Chennai, it signs off.