KOCHI: ‘Kerala savaari’, a ride-hailing app backed by the Kerala government, is set to be reintroduced on May 1 in a new avatar, with the support of Bengaluru’s highly popular ‘Namma Yatri’ app.
The new version of ‘kerala savaari’ app — which promises a technologically advanced form with a better management system — is expected to give giants Uber and Ola a run for their money by providing “affordable” rides to customers, officials said.
In its reloaded version, ‘kerala savaari’ 2.0 will be managed by ‘Namma Yatri’, the popular ride-hailing app in Bengaluru that operates on a zero-commission model — meaning drivers keep 100% of the fare.
Since the model will enhance driver earnings, the app has got the backing of all major trade unions, including CITU and INTUC. While the new app will be up and running from May 1, an official launch will be held later, said officials.
“Commuters using the app will be charged only government-fixed rates, which will be among the lowest. Also, we are not charging any commission from the drivers. If they run for, say Rs 1,000, they can keep the full amount,” said an official with the motor vehicle department. This comes even as some of the ride-hailing giants are charging up to 30% towards commission from the drivers. The app, backed by both the state transport and labour departments, will be fully live in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi initially.
App to be launched in more cities; govt backing to give it much credibility
The authorities plan to launch ‘kerala savaari’ in other major cities in a phased manner. In its new avatar, the app operates on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
“Since it works on an ONDC platform, the customers can book Kochi Metro tickets and also inter-city luxury buses using the same app. They needn’t install the metro or the redbus apps,” said an official of the ‘Namma Yatri’ team in Kerala.
Already, a substantial number of cab and autorickshaw drivers have registered with the app. The ‘Yellow Cabs’ with over 6,000 taxi drivers, and the ‘All Kerala Online Auto Drivers Union (AKOADU)’ are part of the venture.
“The AKOADU itself has around 630 members and we have all registered with the app. While there are many online app services available, the government backing for this app will give it much credibility,” said Sabeer K P, union secretary.
The Kerala government soft launched ‘kerala savaari’, the country’s first ride-hailing app owned by a state government, in 2022.
The project was launched on a trial basis within the Thiruvananthapuram corporation limits. However, the app, then operated by the Motor Workers Welfare Board under the aegis of the labour department, failed to connect with the public for various reasons, including software glitches.
“Now, we’ve sorted out all the issues. The app boasts one of the best technologies in the market,” the official added.
‘Namma Yatri’ is currently operational in cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Odisha. While the app charges a small fixed subscription fee from the drivers in cities like Bengaluru, no fees will be levied from drivers in Kerala for the time being.