Chennai Cab and Taxi Unions Join Hands with Namma Yatri to Offer Zero Commission Rides

Chennai, May 2024: Namma Yatri, India’s largest open mobility app, announces the launch of its cab services in Chennai. To address high commissions and transparency issues in existing apps, it introduces a lifetime zero-commission, direct-to-driver model. Committed to a people-first approach, it not only increases driver income but also reduces prices for commuters, improves vehicle maintenance, and elevates customer service. As a leading app on the ONDC network,

Namma Yatri ensures 100% transparency with open data and open-source software. Moreover, Namma Yatri becomes the first app in India to implement a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for drivers, advocating for fair pricing that supports drivers’ livelihoods while eliminating surge pricing, thereby benefiting both drivers and customers equally. For the first time, all major cab and taxi unions in Chennai came together to support a new app. The event was marked by the attendance of over 50 drivers who committed to the “super service” pledge to customers.

Notable union leaders who have played a key role in shaping the industry were also present. V. Kuppusamy, General Secretary CITU; A. Zahir Hussain, General Secretary of the Urimai Kural Driver Trade Union; R. Vetrivel, State General Secretary of the Urimai Karangal Driver Trade Union; S. Musthafa, General Secretary of AOVT; V. Dilli Babu, State President, Sigaram Drivers Union; and G. Selva Kumar, State General Secretary Puthiya Agni Siragugal Ottunargal Thozhirsangam, all expressed their support for the app. At the event, union leaders emphasized the positive impact of Namma Yatri and its commitment to zero-commission and transparency. They pledged to enhance service quality through improved driver earnings, viewing this partnership as a transformative step for Chennai’s transportation.

Mr. A. Zahir Hussain of the Urimai Kural Driver Trade Union remarked, “We are happy that Namma Yatri has introduced cabs in Chennai. We stand in solidarity to support them in improving the lives of drivers and citizens. All our drivers are committed to offering great service to the people of Chennai.”

Mr Shan MSfrom NammaYatri commented, “Namma Yatri strives to empower the driver community and enable them to provide the best customer service. By pioneering the zero-commission model and implementing driver welfare schemes, we have changed the status quo. We look forward to providing the best service to the citizens of Chennai!”

Mr. T Koshy, CEOof ONDCstated, “This a significant step towards ONDC’s wider vision of enabling multi modal journey across the country on the open network. With Chennai Metro already on the network, Namma Yatri bringing in the Cab and Autos of Chennai onto network, completes this for the city of Chennai. We applaud their efforts to positively impact the lives of Chennai drivers.”

NammaYatri, along with its family of apps, boasts 62 lakh customers and 3.3 lakh drivers, completing 3.6 Cr trips and enabling drivers to earn ₹550 Cr without commission. Since launching auto services in Chennai this February, it has achieved 2.7 lakh trips, generating Rs 4 crore earnings for drivers. Over 15,000 cab drivers have already joined, and the goal is to reach 50,000 in the next three months. With innovative features and a community-led approach, NammaYatri ensures fast pickups, low cancellations, affordable prices, and reliable service, continuously working towards a sustainable and inclusive transportation in Chennai.

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