Ola, Uber cannot exploit passengers: Bengaluru transport commissioner

Extracts from an exclusive interview with Asianet Newsable's Shuchi Srivastava

Asianet Newsable: What is the current status? Are Ola and Uber services being banned in Bangalore?

Rame Gowda: See, everybody has to follow rules and the law of the land has to be respected. Since these new licensing norms have been put in place in April, we will make sure that all taxis on the Ola and Uber network are in compliance or else they will have to remain off-road. We are in constant dialogue with both these companies and their representatives have met us many times over the last weekend. I understand that they are working towards fulfilling all the requirements.

AN: Some executives allege that this licence requirement has been imposed to appease taxi unions that are suffering, now that Ola and Uber have become so popular?

RG: There is absolutely no truth to that. We are encouraging drivers and are ready to grant them both city and state permits. We, however, prefer that they do not sign-up with these aggregators (Ola and Uber) as they unfairly charge and extort from consumers under the guise of surge pricing.

AN: If commuters are ready to pay surge pricing, why does the government interfere? Especially as Ola and Uber are not charitable trusts but companies that can devise their own pricing strategies?

RG: It is the government's job to protect consumer interest, the final choice is up to them. We have to enact and enforce laws that can benefit the overall commuting public and not just a select few who can afford to overpay.      

AN: Why did the state feel the need to impose these new licensing norms on Ola and Uber?

RG: It is the state's job to protect its citizens. No company can come and exploit and overcharge passengers in Bangalore or across Karnataka under the guise of surge pricing. These operators have to adhere to the basic fares we have put in place so that customers are not held to ransom. Also, these new licensing requirements make every citizen using these services much safer as we have mandated that all drivers have to get a police verification.

AN: This could inconvenience many citizens as many commuters in Bengaluru depend on Ola and Uber, especially as the city's public transport system is extremely unreliable.

RG: So? Does that mean that we allow companies to function outside the law? Bus and auto fares are also regulated.

AN: But auto-rickshaw drivers in Bangalore overcharge all the time?

RG: So then we impound their vehicles and suspend the drivers licence.

Image courtesy: Guruprasath R