18 Ola, Uber cabs seized for price hike

Cracking its whip against app-based cab hiring services, the Delhi government has impounded 18 cabs of Ola and Uber for charging fares more than the prescribed rates during the odd-even car rationing period.

A senior government official said the cabs were impounded on Monday evening after an order was issued to the transport department to take strict action against such companies in the face of mounting criticism for manifold increase in fares.

“We impounded 18 cabs of Ola and Uber last (Mo-nday) evening after receiving complaints of overcharging from commuters. Most of the cabs belong to Uber,” the official said.

Ola and Uber on Monday suspended “surge pricing” after chief minister Arvind Kejriwal ordered strict action, including permit cancellation and impounding against overcharging by taxis.

Surge pricing is a technique used by Uber and Ola to raise fares to provide drivers the incentive of keeping their cab running while also making it available for the user irrespective of the demand.

The BJP, however, kept up its criticism of the odd-even car rationing scheme and the AAP leadership. BJP Rajya Sabha member Vijay Goel questioned whether the AAP government will refund the road tax as motorists pay the levy for an entire year and are not being able to use the service for 15 days a month.

“It is my sincere request to the Delhi government that they should stop publicising the odd even scheme as pollution reduction scheme, but instead should make it clear that is a way to reduce only traffic through forced fines,” said Mr Goel, adding that his protest would continue against the Kejriwal government and its policies that make life miserable for the common people whose money is being misused by the AAP government on self promotions.