Popularity of auto unions' 'Namma Yatri' app surges before launch

The 'Namma Yatri' app will be launched on November 1 but already has over 10,000 downloads.

Published on: Oct 29, 2022, 12:11:33 IST

By Yamini C S | Edited by Chandrashekar Srinivasan

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As discontent over high fares of cab aggregators flares, so does the demand for the 'Namma Yatri' app - to be launched by the Bengaluru Auto Rickshaw Driver's Union (ARDU) on November 1. The app already has over 10,000 downloads and has been touted as an alternative to those like Ola, Uber and Rapido.

Other similar apps like ‘Rook’ might also be launched in the future to counter Ola and Uber. (Raj K Raj / Hindustan Times)

The app was inspired by the success of the 'Yatri' app in Kerala's Kochi and has a similar user interface to its rivals in the Karnataka capital. It will provide rides at 'reasonable prices' as there will be no commission paid to an aggregator.

Here is how the pricing works:

Once you set your pick-up and drop locations, drivers nearby will send you quotes within a set range. Usually this involves the government-set base price with an extra ₹10 to ₹30 for the travel distance to your pick-up location. You can select the best offer from the options and confirm the ride.

READ | Bengaluru auto unions to launch mobile app to challenge aggregators

Reviews of the app have already started to flow in on social media. A Twitter user called Chinmay Dhumal said there are no cancellation charges.

"Bangalore Auto Rickshaw Drivers launched their own application called 'Namma Yatri' to tackle unfair commission charges of Ola/Uber. ₹30 fixed platform fees. No cancellation charges. Currently, Cash Only. The app is beautiful and responsive. Bangalore is built different!"

READ | Bengaluru cabbies float Telegram groups to coordinate their own rides

The app was developed in partnership with the Beckn Foundation, which is backed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani. Other apps like 'Rook' might also be launched in the future to counter Ola and Uber.

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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