Project ‘Kerala Savaari’ facing a bumpy ride; drivers leave, passengers uninstall app

Summary

The Kerala government’s initiative ‘Kerala Savaari’, aimed at providing fair auto and taxi services, is facing challenges due to low driver commissions and vehicle unavailability. Launched in August 2022, it registered 1,552 auto rickshaws and 340 taxis in Thiruvananthapuram. Despite this, many vehicles were not available in the app, leading to passenger dissatisfaction and app uninstallation. Drivers are leaving the project, citing lower compensation compared to private firms. The service, with an 8% charge, needs at least 1,500 vehicles during rush hours for success. Additionally, there is a pressing need for policies to regulate private online taxi services, as passengers struggle with high fares from these services.