Highlights
- Delhi government sets up helpline to check surge-pricing
- Commuters can call 01142400400 to complain against overcharging
- Delhi CM had said surge-pricing was banned during Delhi's odd-even scheme
After Arvind Kejriwal warned taxi aggregator Uber against surge-pricing, the Delhi government has announced a helpline for people who want to complain against overcharging by their cab.
"If any taxi asks for more money in the name of surge-pricing, then call 01142400400. We will take strict action," tweeted Transport Minister Gopal Rai on Monday.
The government also announced a rate list of what the fare should be, ranging between Rs. 12.50 a km for Economy Radio Taxis and Rs 23 a km for Radio Taxi cabs.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reacted sharply yesterday as Uber brought back surge-pricing as a ban on diesel-run cabs in and around Delhi came into effect.
A day after the odd-even restrictions in Delhi ended, commuters across the city who used app-based cabs found that they were suddenly being asked to pay more.
"Some taxis hv started charging surge. Surge not allowed under law. They r warned that strong action will be taken against them," Mr Kejriwal tweeted.
Uber and another aggregator Ola were forced to stop surge-pricing just after the odd-even rule came into force last month, after Mr Kejriwal warned them of action and said demand-driven hikes would be banned permanently as they are "daylight robbery". Several cabs were impounded for overpricing.
An Uber spokesperson has said the company had suspended surge pricing only as a "temporary" measure.