Namma TYGR taking on Ola and Uber? Not so soon

Namma TYGR cabs, Bengaluru's answer to Uber and Ola, was launched with much fanfare in November last year. But nothing has moved since. Reason: it hasn't applied for a licence under the aggregator rules of the transport department.

While Namma TYGR claims it has initiated the process, B Dayananda, commissioner for transport and road safety, says he has received no application. "Namma TYGR cabs were pulled off the roads in January after they were found operating without an aggregator licence. They won't be allowed to ply unless they comply with transport department rules," he told Metrolife.

Promising cheaper cab rides and multiple benefits, including insurance and better rates, for drivers, Namma TYGR hopes to take on the bigger players in the fray.

The service is backed by Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy and was launched by a group of drivers who were not happy with Uber and Ola. Tanveer Pasha, leader of the driver's union, says 11,000 cabs want to join Namma TYGR, but only 5,000 have been approved. A political angle is also emerging, with the union blaming the Congress government for the delay. "The current government supports Ola and Uber. I am sure the future of drivers will change after a new government is formed," says Pasha. Elections are due on May 12, and he hopes the JD(S) will win and take on the reins.

Sumit Kumar, director of Huli Technologies, has invested in Namma TYGR. "We are sure we will be able to sustain the business. We hope to obtain a licence within a month and begin services," he says. Namma TYGR will not charge differential and surge fares, he adds.

WHAT TRIGGERED COMPETITION

Ola and Uber drivers felt they were getting way less than they were promised.
The companies slap fines of Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 in case of customer complaints.
Ola and Uber take 25 to 30 percent as commission from the drivers' earnings.

WHAT TYGR PROMISES

Rs 5 lakh life insurance cover.
Rs 5 lakh accidental insurance cover.
Rs 2 lakh medical insurance cover.
Free school books for drivers' children
Free car wash twice a month
Company pays vehicle insurance and road tax
It takes only 12 per cent commission.

NOW RUNNING

About 300 cabs approved by Namma TYGR are providing offline services. They can be hailed on the Namma TYGR app only after it gets a licence.

Namma TYGR Fares

Namma TYGR follows a fixed fare structure, offering customers a ride at Rs 12.50 a km in a hatchback
(first 4 km is Rs 69), and at Rs 14.50 in a sedan (first 4 km is Rs 79). SUV rides are priced at Rs 18.50
a km.