Private cab service provider, Uber, has suspended surge pricing in Delhi after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal threatened to take action against cab service providers, for charging customers more than the prescribed rates set by the government, reports NDTV.
Uber Delhi tweeted:
Given the threat to the livelihood of our partners, at the expense of reliability, we are temporarily suspending surge with immediate effect
— Uber Delhi (@Uber_Delhi) April 18, 2016
…Followed by Ola
We’ve temporarily pulled out Peak Pricing in Delhi, in support of Govt’s #OddEven initiative. Travel at 1x fares & make #OddEven a success
— Ola (@Olacabs) April 18, 2016
Earlier in the day, Kejriwal had threatened the operators in two tweets:
Strict action, incl permit cancellation n impounding vehicle, to be taken against taxis which charge rates more than govt prescribed rates
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 18, 2016
Recd some complaints against Ola/Uber. Govt planning strong action against them. Will announce it soon. https://t.co/8N1teCpo9k
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 17, 2016
On Monday, a strike by Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union was averted in the last minute after the city government gave them a written assurance that their demands would be fulfilled.
The strike was proposed in protest against app-based cab operators, and eight other unions which met the minister on Sunday, who had already “distanced” themselves from the stir.
Yesterday, State Transport Minister, Gopal Rai had urged Lt Governor Najeeb Jung to direct police to prevent any untoward incident during the proposed strike.
Rai also met senior police and transport department officials for discussing necessary arrangements to tackle any problems arising out of the strike on an even day (April 18), when only even-numbered vehicles, barring those under exempted categories, will be on the roads.
A section of auto and taxi unions including Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Unions had given a call for it, a move which may have caused hardship to commuters in the national capital, where the second phase of odd-even scheme is in operation.
Rai also met senior Delhi Police officials and asked them to deploy more men at places like railway stations and hospitals so that auto and taxi drivers could work freely.
(With inputs from PTI)