The driver partners of taxi-aggregators Ola and Uber in Delhi are also now looking at launching their own app. Following in the footsteps Ola and Uber drivers in Bengaluru, Chaalak Shakti, a taxi union in New Delhi has decided to launch its own app called SEWA to counter Ola and Uber.
Sahdev Panchal, leader of Chaalak Shakti, said that the union decided to go ahead with launching SEWA as their earnings from the taxi-aggregating companies reduced.
“The app will be launched in April. We have thought of April 7 as the date to launch it, but we will announce that soon. There are more than 5,000 drivers on-board now and we have contacted a few companies that could help us with the logistics like building the app, setting up a customer care centre, marketing consultation and a few others,” Panchal added.
Unlike Ola and Uber, which charges a 25% commission on the drivers’ earnings, the SEWA app has fixed Rs 700 as the monthly fee that drivers have to pay.
“Initially, SEWA cabs will accept only cash and later mobile wallets and online payment options will be added to the app. Once the online payment option is up and running, the money will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of drivers,” he added.
The SEWA app will not have a sign-in option. However, once a commuter enters the cab, he/she will have to enter their mobile number in the fare meter and the meter will start immediately.
The OTU Drivers’ Association in Bengaluru has decided to name the app HDK cabs as former Chief Minister and JD(S) President HD Kumaraswamy is going to be funding the app’s launch entirely.
The union members, however, did not provide a concrete launch date for the app and said that they will try to negotiate with the companies once more before taking the final step.
Image: Piyush