Ola, Uber To Deactivate Surge Pricing During Odd-Even Scheme In Delhi
Arvind Kejriwal had said surge pricing wouldn’t be applied by app-based cabs, including Ola and Uber, during Delhi’s odd-even days
Cab aggregators Ola and Uber Technologies Inc. have said that they will not resort to surge pricing during the 12-day odd-even scheme starting in Delhi from Nov. 4.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ola said that it will extend its support to the Delhi government's initiative to curb pollution. The implementation of the odd-even scheme offers an opportunity to further unlock the potential of shared mobility, it said.
"Continuing our efforts to provide commuters an optimum and seamless experience, we will have no peak pricing on rides booked on the Ola platform during the odd-even period. We encourage all driver-partners, passengers, and citizens to participate and make the third edition of the scheme, a success," said Arun Srinivas, chief of sales and marketing at ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd., the operator of Ola cabs.
Uber had in late October announced its plan to deactivate surge pricing during Delhi’s odd-even days.
"We want to do our part in ensuring movement around the city is easy during the odd-even phase and have decided to deactivate dynamic pricing for the duration. We wholeheartedly support the Delhi government's move and wish it success," an Uber spokesperson had said.
The odd-even scheme is a much needed step to reduce pollution and help reduce congestion in the capital, the spokesperson had said.
On Friday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said surge pricing would not be applied by app-based cabs during the odd-even scheme.
According to the Delhi government, advisories have also been issued to autorickshaws and e-rickshaws to avoid overcharging from commuters. An Ola spokesperson said the company will also work closely with its driver-partners to ensure maximum availability of vehicles during peak hours as well as during the staggered office timings.
The odd-even scheme was notified on Friday by the Delhi government. Odd and even numbered (last digit of registration number) vehicles ply on alternate days of the scheme.
The government has not exempted CNG-driven private vehicles from the odd-even scheme this time. It has, however, exempted two-wheelers that form around 88 percent of total registered vehicles plying on the city roads.