[SchumiFan]

Originally Posted by Tamarind

Instant foods (like Maggi noodles) will have such violations in food safety. Try planning ahead with exceptions included If one cannot plan ahead and needs to get a meal in two minutes, then they should be open to pay for that convenience

How does that sound ?

We are going way out of topic. But I will entertain this question.

If I knew Maggi was unhealthy (as we do know now and as Uber/OLA informs beforehand about surge pricing), I wouldn't choose it in the first place (see, planning). But if I am not able to wait for any other means of food, I might go for it in case it is the only option (see, pay up and crib online).

Uber/OLA offer very low rates compared to standard taxis and that is the very reason we go for it in the first place. If the price is not affordable for some of us, no point in continuing to seek that service. Other choices are available at that point and one should be willing to take it.

But since Uber/OLA offers a quick turnaround for ordering a cab, then surge pricing is the price we pay for that convenience.

Out of 100 times I travel, if I pay surge prices 5 times, I would not bother with it as I am getting greatly benefitted the rest of the 95 times.

And if I am going to be benefitted 95 times only because the company is able to charge me extra for 5 trips, then so be it. It will all work out when we see the big picture.

BTW surge pricing might be unhealthy only for a few. Your mileage may vary

[Fillmore]

Well on the Uber surcharge of 2.x , they have an option that says something like "Notify me when the surcharge is removed"
I have selected this option in the past and after 20min I got a message saying Taxi available at regular fare.

Overall availability of OLA is more than Uber in Bangalore. However I prefer Uber as it works out cheaper in comparison to OLA.

Also their 'Split Fare' feature is useful when you are sharing an Uber. These days if there is more than one person its cheaper to get an Uber vs taking the Volvo + an Auto from the bus stop to your house.

[Mortis]

Are all these Taxis running on CNG ? Atleast in Mumbai I was under the impression that it was mandatory for all public transport vehicles to run on CNG or is that only for government regulated vehicles ? Im a bit confused as I was under the impression that the owner of a Taxi permit can use it for a regular cab or a private cab so why arent they subject to the CNG rule ?

[alpha1]

What is the purpose behind govt regulated taxi permits?
So that antisocial elements are eliminated from becoming drivers and becoming serial robbers/stalkers/rapists/killers?

[ambadan]

just now filed a complaint against ola and taxi4sure in PMO website (http://pgportal.gov.in/pmocitizen/Grievancepmo.aspx). Request all others to file complaints against these two for looting us. Who is the compliance authority for the radio cabs?

[noopster]

The latest update of Ola iOS app has a separate category for Taxiforsure cabs.



Since Ola took over TFS this was expected. Am surprised they retained the branding within the app though- would have expected the integration to be more seamless.

[hserus]

Originally Posted by noopster

Since Ola took over TFS this was expected. Am surprised they retained the branding within the app though- would have expected the integration to be more seamless.

Branding in the app is kind of irrelevant unless the branding on hundreds of cars stickered as taxi for sure is changed.

And brand integration takes a lot of time.

You remember how long "Air Sahara" lasted before it became Jet Konnect and finally reverted back to "Jet Airways" for all flights.

[blue_pulsar]

Taxi for sure is more expensive than Ola. I wonder why would folks book a TFS when they could book an Ola. 5 minutes waiting will have an Ola cab available in most cases.

[JD1]

TFS USP was the low entry point - Rs 49/- for 4 kms in sedan and Nano at Rs 10/- per km (Bangalore) - so ideal for short commutes and if you are lucky to get Nano then cheap comfortable commute. I thought they would continue this USP but it's changed now. Nano has a fixed charge of 25 in addition to per km and per minute charge (1.25 per minute). The sedan 49/- is still valid but only for 2 kms (plus per minute charge). Only mini retains the 49/- for 4 kms rate but with their higher per km and higher per minute charge, it doesn't make sense to book TFS if Ola is available. It's only a value-add if Ola is unavailable in your area but TFS cab is available.
Not sure if Ola wallet can be used to pay for TFS ride booked thru Ola app.

[Octane_Power]

I may use Uber in Mumbai for the first time tomorrow. Have never used any radio cab except Meru in past, after which I never got the opportunity to ride one.

Any Bombay'ites how is the availability of Uber X at late night? Also, how much is the night fare and are there any 'first ride' discounts? Thanks.

-Bhargav

[sagarpadaki]

Originally Posted by Octane_Power

I may use Uber in Mumbai for the first time tomorrow. Have never used any radio cab except Meru in past, after which I never got the opportunity to ride one.

Any Bombay'ites how is the availability of Uber X at late night? Also, how much is the night fare and are there any 'first ride' discounts? Thanks.

-Bhargav

First ride will have 250 rupees discount on the total fare. Also if you have any friends or family using uber get their referral code from them and use it prior to booking. You will get additional discount

[alpha1]

Originally Posted by sagarpadaki

First ride will have 250 rupees discount on the total fare. Also if you have any friends or family using uber get their referral code from them and use it prior to booking. You will get additional discount

What is the Paytm stuff that is asked while registering?
Frankly, I have the app but never used it for actually hailing a cab.
(Preferred Ola's option of using cash)

Originally Posted by Octane_Power

I may use Uber in Mumbai for the first time tomorrow. Have never used any radio cab except Meru in past, after which I never got the opportunity to ride one.

Any Bombay'ites how is the availability of Uber X at late night? Also, how much is the night fare and are there any 'first ride' discounts? Thanks.

-Bhargav

Simply download the app, and check the general availability of cabs during your desired times/days.

[Octane_Power]

Originally Posted by sagarpadaki

First ride will have 250 rupees discount on the total fare. Also if you have any friends or family using uber get their referral code from them and use it prior to booking. You will get additional discount

Thanks. BTW, I just Googled and got a code from grabon which gives 400 off on the first ride. Rs.400 are there in my Uber account now which I will be able to use to make payment for the ride.

Originally Posted by alpha1

What is the Paytm stuff that is asked while registering?
Frankly, I have the app but never used it for actually hailing a cab.
(Preferred Ola's option of using cash)

We also have the credit card option for payment. Even I prefer paying by cash like I used to in Meru. Apparently, it is only credit card or PayTM for Uber, no cash.

-Bhargav

[sagarpadaki]

Originally Posted by alpha1

What is the Paytm stuff that is asked while registering?
Frankly, I have the app but never used it for actually hailing a cab.
(Preferred Ola's option of using cash)


Simply download the app, and check the general availability of cabs during your desired times/days.

Originally Posted by Octane_Power

Thanks. BTW, I just Googled and got a code from grabon which gives 400 off on the first ride. Rs.400 are there in my Uber account now which I will be able to use to make payment for the ride.



We also have the credit card option for payment. Even I prefer paying by cash like I used to in Meru. Apparently, it is only credit card or PayTM for Uber, no cash.

-Bhargav

Uber is not allowed to have CC as payment method since they are not willing to integrate payment gateway as per the regulations from RBI. So you cannot use Credit cards issued in India. If you have a CC issued outside india, you can use it.

So as an alternative they have tied up with PayTM wallet to make payments

[Kool_Kid]

I guess the party is over for Meru Genie cabs as well,

Yesterday i booked a Genie from Gurgaon to Pachim Vihar ( 37 km) the fare came to around 660 Rs.

Later on i called them and asked them to explain

1)They told me that Meru has increased the price from 10 to 12 per KM ( i was not informed at the time of booking)
2) they had added Rs 50 as surcharge as it as peek timelines ( 5 pm ) onwards . i told that i had booked the cab for 4:50 but cab arrived late ( can easily be verified using GPS)
3) 50 rs as call center charges.
4) they collected a toll of 65 Rs even when driver had monthly pass ( which is very cheap ) per day.

Guess what !! effective price come to 17 Rs / KM. which is way more than what old taxi stand guys use to charge.

Please note OLA and uber charge Rs 1 /per min for the entire commute time which they happily term as "waiting time" . This is calculated of the trip duration and not for the time when cab is stuck in the traffic ( stationary car)

The marketing is simple : seduce people with Rs 7 - 10 per KM fare chart . but if you really compare the total bill you will not find much difference between Taxi stand guys and your final bill. ( at least for the long rides).