What the people in metropolis like Chennai are experiencing now, is it a boon or something fishy we are not able to decide.

These days there is this cab co. which uses satellite and mobile phone and apps. technology through which we can call for a taxi car or auto rickshaw. The app, through satellite identifies within seconds the autowallahs nearest to our location. As the destination is already known to the driver who has accepted the call, there is no haggling over the fare. We pay by the electronic meter which cannot be tampered (as of now) plus rupees ten as service charge which most people don't mind.

In addition the cab has launched a tremendous promotion drive through newspapers, leaflets and offer free Rs.200 ride for the public for their first time use of the cab service.Many friends who have taken this ride do tell they have benefited this amount.

The auto drivers are paid Rs.15,000 per month and in addition get Rs.30 per ride plus ten from the passenger.

Assurance of a definite passenger, a monthly payment (15,000) plus tips from passengers have made auto drivers flock by the dozens to this new Co.

Now for the other side of the story. Drivers who have enrolled into this Co. as employees/associates do not know who the promoter or proprietor is. They are supposed to report for 'duty' at 7.00AM via their satellite phone. And all their movements throughout the day are monitored. Any late coming or absence means cut in their salary. All this done via a Frankenstein satellite.

The absence of a known face like a Tata, Birla or Ambani as promoter and instead some international individual operating from behind the screen. Is it good for the safety of the people and security of the nation. When the commitment to these than to their profiteering, is suspect by the mentioned known faces themselves, as experienced by the people of the country.

Yesterday happened to read 'some' information on this Co.

http://www.ibtimes.com/yuri-milners-dst-global-may-invest-500-million-indias-ola-cabs-report-1829024

Are we really heading for good times or something different, only time can tell.

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Very interesting.
I visit chennai once in 3 weeks but have not experience this as I have my brother come and pick me at the airport and then drop me off in the railway stn..
I saw some new OLA cab advt. where they are offering some pretty low price and your first ride is free (provided you install their app in your mobile).
Hope consumers can take good advantage of it.

Murali

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

I use OLA for travel for work. Since I am not that tech savvy, I just call the call centre from my mobile. Within 10-15 min the cab is here. Sometimes even less than that. Works great. I get the the charge via SMS and email. Since I work for a state govt outfit (contract), I have to provide the printout of the email to get the refund. So far so good with OLA. Have not tried Taxi For Sure.