In Bengaluru, cab, auto drivers use Telegram, WhatsApp to compete against Ola-Uber's high commissions: Report

Bengaluru’s cab and auto drivers are bypassing traditional ride-hailing apps by using zero-commission services and duty groups on Telegram and WhatsApp.

Published on: Jul 11, 2024, 19:30:11 IST

By Yamini C S

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Autorickshaw and cab drivers in Bengaluru are increasingly turning to Telegram and WhatsApp groups, alongside zero-commission app-based services, to challenge the dominance of ride-hailing giants such as Ola and Uber.

Drivers reportedly use "duty groups" on Telegram and WhatsApp, where cab drivers exchange trip requests and leads. (HT File/Representative use)

These new platforms, which include driver-union-backed apps, are creating significant competition for the aggregators, Moneycontrol reported.

Drivers reportedly use "duty groups" on Telegram and WhatsApp, where cab drivers exchange trip requests and leads. There are two main types of these duty groups: the first consists solely of drivers who share trip requests with others when they are unavailable, and the second type includes drivers, travel agents, and IT park representatives who post intracity travel requirements for employees after work hours, the report elaborated.

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These groups allow drivers to avoid commission fees, with passengers paying only government-regulated fares. Once drivers or admins receive a ride request, they respond with their details and availability.

One prominent driver union, the Karnataka Chalakara Okkota (KCO), operates two large Telegram groups with over 56,000 members combined, the report stated. KCO’s founder, G Narayanaswamy, spoke to the publication and explained that these groups were created to avoid the high 30-40 per cent commission fees charged by Ola and Uber. They follow government-fixed fares and ensure driver credentials are up-to-date using the mParivahan app.

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A veteran cab driver also said there are now around 40-50 such groups in Bengaluru. He started a specialized WhatsApp group for airport drivers to offer better fares compared to Ola and Uber, where drivers often see lower earnings due to high commission rates.

In response to this growing competition, ride-hailing giants Ola and Uber are exploring ways to retain drivers, such as offering a rewards program like Uber's ‘Uber Pro’, which offers cash credits and discounts on insurance, and various microloans. Uber is also enhancing driver support features, including upfront pricing and new subscription models, the report said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yamini C S
Yamini CS is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with nearly six years of experience in digital journalism. She is part of the India News desk, where she works on a wide range of stories cutting across civic issues, city-based developments, politics, governance, public policy, breaking news, trending topics, and international affairs that have an impact on India. Her role involves tracking fast-moving developments, verifying information from official and on-ground sources, and presenting news in a clear, accessible format for a digital-first audience. A significant part of her work includes handling live blogs during major news events, such as elections, court verdicts, political developments, civic disruptions, protests, weather-related alerts, and unfolding national or international incidents. Through live coverage, she focuses on timely updates to help readers follow complex stories as they evolve. Before moving to the broader India News desk, Yamini was associated with the Bengaluru desk at Hindustan Times, where she extensively covered urban governance, infrastructure, traffic and transport issues, weather events, public grievances, and civic administration in the city. This experience strengthened her grounding in city reporting and sharpened her focus on citizen-centric journalism. She began her career as a correspondent with Reuters after completing a postgraduate diploma in journalism from the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media. Her early training instilled a strong emphasis on accuracy, sourcing, and news ethics, which continue to shape her reporting style. Outside of work, Yamini enjoys reading across genres, listening to music, and spending time with her family, which help her maintain balance in a fast-paced newsroom environment.Read More

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