Chandigarh cab service providers cash in on Diwali festive rush
People preferring to book a cab than to venture out in their private vehicles to avoid parking problems.
Drivers working with app-based cab services are cashing in on the festive rush. Residents are preferring to book a cab than to venture out in their private vehicles to avoid parking problems.
“Last week, I was stuck in traffic in the Sector-19 market. To avoid it, I decided to go for shopping by cab,” said Sheerin Zaman, a Sector-20 resident.
There has been a significant uptick in the rides and trips requested in and around popular markets in the city, including Sectors 17, 11 and DLF City Centre, said a Uber spokesperson.
25% hike is fares
The high demand has seen a rise in fares by around 25%. On a short route between Sectors 20D and the Sector-22 Shashtri market, the fare has gone up by Rs 15-17. Earlier, it used to cost Rs 45-50. Now it costs Rs 66. Similarly, fare between the Sector-17 and Sector-19 markets has gone up to Rs 62 from Rs 50.
Even commuting from the Sector-15 market bus stop to Student Centre in Panjab University is costing Rs 57.
“The cab has started charging me Rs 15 extra all of a sudden,” said Roopal Jain, a student staying at a paying guest accommodation in Sector 15. “The trip fares continue to be competitive,” said the Uber spokesperson. “Upfront fares are calculated using an algorithm that takes into consideration the expected time and distance of the trip, local traffic patterns, demand and supply at a given location.”
He said when dynamic pricing kicks in due to high demand, it incentivises drivers to get their cars out on the roads to address the demand. Residents, however, question the high fares.
“When we require discounts and offers the most, the fares have gone up,” said Krutika Kakkar of Sector 23. Ola spokesperson refused to comment.
Additional parking in UT
Visitors to markers can park their vehicles in adjoining government schools after 3pm: Sectors 15, 18, 19, 20-B, 20-D, 22-A, 22-C, 35, 37-C, 40-B, 41-D, 45-D, 47-D.