Online cabs resume ops but demand slips

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Kochi:  07.05.2020

Online cab aggregators Uber and Ola resumed their services in Kochi which has been categorized as green zone but drivers said the number of rides hailed were quite low.

“I went online on my app early in the morning hoping that I would get a ride call. I got two requests and one of them turned out to be fake,” said Nijo Johny, an Uber driver.

Passengers and drivers have been asked to wash their hands with soap or use a sanitizer before and after every ride. It is also mandatory to wear a face mask. While in the cab windows should be open for ventilation as use of air-conditioner is not allowed. AC can only be used in fresh air mode. Not more than two riders are allowed to travel at a time, besides the driver, in green zone.

Kerala Online Drivers’ Union president Jackson Varghese said some of the requests they are getting is for transporting goods like LPG cylinders which cannot be permitted.

Travel agencies which operate cabs and tempo travellers in the district are currently operating services after obtaining special permission for essential services. “We are receiving several requests for trips outside the state but cannot accept them. The main issue faced by drivers is that they would have to go into quarantine once they undertake a trip outside,” said Travel Operators Association of Kerala general secretary Bajy Joseph. “Government should come out with proposals to help the sector,” he said.

The district administration with the help of an entrepreneur had prototyped a fibre glass partition that can be fitted on cabs to enhance the safety of drivers and passengers but this has not been made mandatory yet. “Though it could provide safety I don’t think drivers are in a position to invest on it right now,” said Varghese.

Ratheesh N R, an upholstery business owner who designed the partition said he had received several enquiries for the product. “The fibre glass model will cost Rs 2,500 per piece,” he said.