Delhi odd-even: Ola, Uber’s surge pricing under government radar

Delhi’s transport minister said that Ola and Uber will have to follow rules. If they receive complaints against arbitrariness of any app-based taxi service, their vehicles will be impounded.

An official said, “Ola and Uber will have to follow rules. If we receive complaints against arbitrariness of any app-based taxi service, we will impound their vehicles.” (Uber)

In the wake of a strike called by a section of auto and taxi unions in the national capital on Monday, the Delhi government on Sunday said it would take strict action to prevent "arbitrariness" by app-based taxi operators causing hardship to commuters.

However, the strike was later called off as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his government promised to up the ante against Ola and Uber-like services in the city.

On Sunday, Kejriwal announced that his government would take "strong action" against app-based taxis operating in the national capital. "Received some complaints against Ola/Uber. Government planning strong action against them. Will announce it soon," he tweeted.

The strike was called by the unions to protest against the "illegal operation" of app-based taxi services, and was expected to add to the woes of commuters as offices, schools and other institutions were to open after an extended weekend for the first full working day in the second phase of odd-even scheme.

"The government is serious about preventing arbitrariness by app-based taxi services and is ready to take strict action against them," Delhi transport minister Gopal Rai said.

"As Monday is the first full working day of the odd-even scheme, the government will not tolerate arbitrariness by any app-based taxi operator causing hardship to commuters.

"Ola and Uber will have to follow rules. If we receive complaints against arbitrariness of any app-based taxi service, we will impound their vehicles," Rai said.

Commuters can register complaints against arbitrariness or exorbitant fares at 011-42400400, he said.

RSS-backed Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, which had given the call for the strike demanding action against Ola and Uber saying they were eating into the business of others by underpricing taxi services, called it off late in the evening after a meeting with Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai.