After Kolkata and Kochi, Namma Yatri to soon launch cab services in Bengaluru

Although the Namma Yatri team is yet to lock the dates for formally announcing the service and making it operational in Bengaluru, the developers confirmed that the cab services will be in line with the ‘zero-commission’ model similar to the auto-rickshaw services.

Notably, the move by Namma Yatri comes on the heels of the Karnataka government’s efforts to launch cab and auto-rickshaw aggregating services. Namma Yatri’s launch of auto-rickshaw services has posed a huge challenge for aggregator giants like Ola, Uber and Rapido.

Speaking to indianexpress.com, the Namma Yatri team said, “Our vision is to offer customers multiple transportation modes according to their preference, including public transports and cabs. Cabs are already operational in Kochi and Kolkata, while the Metro service is live in Chennai. Regarding other cities (including Bengaluru), we will announce more details once the plans are final.”

Elaborating on the operations and driver welfare approach, a spokesperson of Namma Yatri said, “Namma Yatri focuses on Service Provider Empowerment, meaning it enables drivers to improve and provide better service to their customers. Our approach for other categories, like cabs, will be similar to auto-rickshaws. More details will be shared at the product launch.”

While operating on a zero-commission model, Namma Yatri’s cab services will be in compliance with the revised fares fixed by the Karnataka government for cab aggregators.

In addition, the developers will also introduce a nominal subscription fee for cab drivers on-board if the demand in a city increases. “This information will be transparently communicated to the drivers when the product is launched in their city,” said the Namma Yatri team.

In Kolkata, where Namma Yatri has launched only cab services, the platform has over 14 lakh registered users and over 32,000 enabled drivers who have till date earned Rs 41 crore. Over 15 lakh trips have been completed on Yatri Sathi since its launch in July last year.

Meanwhile, in Kochi, where the developers have launched both cab and auto-rickshaw services, the app has recorded a combined customer user base of 2.7 lakh, with over 8,000 cab and auto-rickshaw drivers on board. The total driver earnings stand at Rs 9 crore since its launch in November 2022.

Namma Yatri has been built on the Beckn Protocol which is an open source protocol, with a vision to contribute to the Open Mobility initiative. The open mobility model allows multiple mobility service providers to co-exist on a common standard network, allowing seamless interoperability between buyers and sellers.

On February 3, the Karnataka government fixed uniform fares for all cab aggregators operating in the state. In a notification issued on Saturday, cabs were classified into three categories based on the cost of the vehicle. For cabs worth less than Rs 10 lakh, the fixed fare for a minimum distance of four km will be Rs 100 and each additional km will cost Rs 24.

For vehicles priced between Rs 10-15 lakh, the fixed fare is Rs 115 with each additional km costing Rs 28. Cabs priced Rs 15 lakh or more will have a fixed fare of Rs 130 for the minimum four km distance, with each additional km costing Rs 32.

Taxis operating between 12 am and 6 am can levy an additional charge of 10 per cent, as per the notification. Taxi operators and aggregators are allowed to collect GST and toll charges from the consumers.